2021-01-14_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A ‎(3)‎

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 1/14/2021
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Operations and Reclamation Plans
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

RULE 2 PERMITS
Because of the dependence on these areas, and the shrub populations, efforts by Colowyo (as
indicated in the previous portions of Section 2.05) have continued to improve reclamation
techniques. As discussed in this revision,new and significant strides are being taken to re-establish
sagebrush steppe communities as well as grassland areas. Many of these new measures will benefit
not only the large game animal segment of the wildlife community, but also other components
such as sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse populations that are dependent on sagebrush and other
woody species for forage and cover.
Impacts of Mining Operations on Wildlife Resources Within the Mine Plan Area
Several short term negative impacts to wildlife are to be expected in the permit area. Removal of
vegetation communities and habitats will be the most direct impact, resulting in a reduction of
forage and cover. Non-mobile species will be destroyed in localized areas as vegetation and topsoil
are removed. Mobile species will be temporarily displaced until mined areas are reclaimed. As
the mine progresses, some changes in topography will occur through the removing of vegetation,
rock outcroppings, draws, etc. which form natural shelters.
Disturbance of soils will affect soil profiles, micro-climate, and other soil properties.
The backfilling and grading as required in Section 4.14.2 will assure that topographic features and
drainage patterns will be returned to approximate original contour.
Wildlife species inhabiting the permit area that have the most potential for being affected include
deer,elk,sage grouse,and raptors. However,experience to date has shown that all of these species
have adapted to the presence of the Colowyo operation, resulting in minimal direct impact. Most
of the mitigation measures,protection measures, and habitat improvement techniques are directed
toward this wildlife group.
Range and Wildlife Manalzement Prolzrams
Data collected during pre-mine studies during 1974 - 1976 indicated overuse by cattle, deer, and
elk. A majority of the browse species (serviceberry, oak, snowberry, bitterbrush, sage,
chokecherry)showed overutilization to varying degrees. (It has been evident both past and present
that many of the shrubs are in a decadent condition.)
The results of past poor range management practices and heavy browse use have been a reduction
in growth with less available forage. In addition, species such as oak and serviceberry have grown
taller, with palatable growth being limited to a height which can be reached only by the largest
animals.
As oak and serviceberry have grown taller, large windbreaks have been created. In the winter,
these areas hold the snow, which becomes deep enough to limit all access by deer and elk. Thirty
years of observations on the permit area have shown that winter use of the mountain shrub type by
elk and deer is highly dependent on snow depth and severity of winter weather conditions. The
use of serviceberry has been limited to shrubs near the edges of the stands where less snow buildup
Rule 2 Permits 2.05-30 Revision Date: 10/27/20
Revision No.: TR-143