2020-03-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (39)

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RULE 2 PERMITS 1. From 1976 until 1979 all livestock grazing was stopped in order to allow the range to rest and to return to a more productive state. The immediate benefit to sagegrouse was the increased production of herbaceous vegetation which, along with insects, is an important component to the sagegrouse brood population diet. A secondary benefit was the end of any nest trampling and end of disturbance and heavy grazing around watering areas due to livestock grazing. 2. During 1976 a fence was constructed around the Federal coal lease which eliminated all further livestock grazing in this area. Since 1976 to the present, sagegrouse have continued to benefit as described as#1 above. 3. All other areas outside of the lease fence(approximately 6,000 acres)have been grazed since 1979 at 60% of carrying capacity. This rate would allow for an increased sagegrouse brood population over that which the area supported in an overgrazed condition. 4. Since 1976,numerous areas of thick, decadent stands of the mountain shrub vegetation within and adjacent to the lease area have been cleared of brush as part of the big game mitigation program. As a result of the brushing,the production of succulent herbaceous vegetation has increased, offering more forage for the sage grouse brood population. The above changes in Management practices of the rangeland around the Colowyo mining area contribute to the increased capability of supporting any displaced sage grouse nesting and brooding population. No additional treatments to mitigate for a displaced sage grouse population are in effect, nor would other methods likely be as effective. II. Post-mining Mitigation for Sagegrouse As stated in the Permit Application, sage grouse use of the area to be mined is for nesting and brood rearing purposes. According to information contained within the Bureau of Land Management Technical Note#330, "Habitat Requirements and Management Recommendations for Sage Grouse," the most important factor for nesting habitat in the sagebrush vegetation type is sagebrush. Within this vegetative community, the majority of sage grouse nests occur under sagebrush. It is assumed that within the mountain shrub vegetative community, sage grouse nest would be found under the mountain shrub components as well as sagebrush. The most important factor for brooding habitat is the availability of the appropriate foods for the chicks. Also, during the later summer months of brood rearing, the availability of water becomes important. Within the pre-mine vegetative community, the nesting cover component is assumed to be sagebrush as well as other elements of the mountain shrub community. Rule 2 Permits 2.05-45 Revision Date: 12/20/19 Revision No.: TR-135