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

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RULE 2 PERMITS +t"U`Po;n •Y" 'i'$ ,„,„„u,„.,„,$.,%,, 'Ast:rti.2'v P tu�a4 NW e',,0.4,k` Vd.tt species,the replacement of native shrub species, and habitat improvement techniques are the most important areas for minimizing impacts to wildlife, several other protection measures are in effect. Electric power lines located in the permit area will be constructed in accordance with the requirements of Section 4.18 to minimize potential electrical hazards to large raptors. Vehicle use within the permit area is limited to the active mining area and the various support facilities. Off-road vehicle use is kept to a minimum and is usually only authorized for surveying, environmental data collection and monitoring, security, etc. Travel by foot, which causes much more disturbance to wildlife than vehicle traffic, is highly unlikely outside active mining areas. Hunting with firearms inside Colowyo's permit boundary is allowed and is strictly managed by Colowyo. Speed limits in the mine area are limited to reduce the likelihood of collisions between vehicles and wildlife. Colowyo employees are fully aware of the possibility of encountering wildlife on and -around the mine site and take special care to avoid these species. In summary after several years of mining at Colowyo, the question is no longer whether coal mining at Colowyo has had an adverse impact on local wildlife populations. The population of deer and elk in the vicinity of Colowyo is reaching record levels. There is little doubt that wildlife populations are drawn to the reclaimed areas because of the availability of quality herbaceous vegetation. The immediate vicinity around Colowyo has become well known as a wildlife refuge, particularly during big game seasons. The issue now is how can Colowyo assist CPW in efforts to control wildlife populations to a level that can be supported by adjacent ranges. To do so, in 1990 we have entered into a cooperative effort with the CPW to establish a"Ranching For Wildlife"area located south of Hayden. Colowyo has also cooperated with the CPW in allowing public hunters access to company properties in Axial Basin Ranch to increase harvest of local cow elk populations. The concern for wildlife mitigation has clearly evolved from a concern for the impact of mining on the wildlife population to a concern for involving Colowyo in managing increasing populations especially for big game animals, particularly elk. As one of the large landowners in the region, Colowyo will continue to work with the CPW to assist where possible to manage local big game populations. With regard to sage grouse populations, Colowyo believes that the new revegetation metrics presented within this submittal will more completely address the concern for negative impacts to area populations and brooding habitat. As this new reclamation technology progresses and adapts into the future, it is anticipated that sage grouse use of reclaimed lands will return to pre-mining levels, or perhaps return to elevated levels as has been experienced at certain Wyoming mining operations. Related to this mitigation and emphasis on wildlife populations, focus must be maintained on the fact that Colowyo is the landowner on the overwhelming majority of disturbed acreage. Were it Rule 2 Permits 2.05-47 Revision Date: 12/20/19 Revision No.: TR-135