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The greatest threats to the viability of CRCT on the GMUG National Forest include competition with <br /> non-native species, drought,water development and depletion,disease,poor road design, and improper <br /> livestock management. The impacts of non-native species on native trout populations, greatly affecting <br /> distribution,abundance, and genetic integrity,have been well documented in many native inland cutthroat <br /> trout assessments (USFS 2010). Severe drought conditions and/or poor water quality can have significant <br /> impacts to localized trout populations,potentially causing populations of CRCT and other trout species to <br /> become locally extinct in headwater areas.No CRCT have been observed in Sneffels Creek or Canyon <br /> Creek,but there is a healthy Brook Trout population in Sneffels Creek and the wetland inside of the <br /> Revenue permit boundary. <br /> 3.3 Boreal Toad <br /> The boreal toad, a subspecies of the widespread western toad,formerly occurred throughout parts the <br /> southern Rocky Mountains between approximately 8,500 and 11,500 feet elevation(Hammerson 1999). <br /> Suitable habitat consists of damp areas bordering marshes,wet meadows, streams,beaver ponds, and <br /> lakes, interspersed with subalpine coniferous or mixed forest.No known populations are located near the <br /> project area. The riparian zone associated with Sneffels Creek,ponds and shallow waters outside of the <br /> waste sites in the project area provide potential habitat for these amphibians. However,boreal toads have <br /> not been observed in the area. <br /> The primary threat to boreal toad persistence is chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and <br /> is believed to be the primary reason toads have declined throughout the southern Rocky Mountains since <br /> the 1970s. However,the impact of Bd is compounded by other threats,the most widespread being habitat <br /> alteration from human disturbances around wetlands and human-facilitated expansion of natural and <br /> introduced predators such as foxes, coyotes, and hawks. <br /> 4. Seasonal Use of the Area <br /> The region is characterized by dramatic changes between seasons due to the high-altitude environment. <br /> The short summer season brings comfortable temperatures and ample vegetation for habitat and food. The <br /> winter months are harsh with subzero temperatures and a deep snowpack. Elk, deer, and other game range <br /> this area predominantly in the spring and summer,moving to lower elevations during winter months. <br /> Non-game resources will also migrate away from the area during winter or will hibernate. However, some <br /> animals do tolerate the winter environment. Fox, short-tailed weasel, snowshoe hare,American marten, <br /> and subnivean animals such as voles remain active in the area during winter months. Fox and short-tailed <br /> weasels have been observed inside of the permit boundary during the winter months. <br /> Human use of the area also fluctuates dramatically from summer to winter months. Summer months can <br /> see up to 30,000 vehicles per month on the county road that passes in front of the permit boundary. The <br /> watershed within which the mine is located is a popular tourist destination that drives the vehicle use on <br /> the road. During winter months there are only 2,000—3,000 vehicles on the road per month. The mine <br /> site will not be fenced because the local topography limits the effectiveness of fencing;therefore,animal— <br /> vehicle collisions will be a potential concern. This is best addressed by low on-site speed limits (15 mile <br /> per hour[mph]) and safety training for equipment and vehicle operators. <br /> Revenue Mine Amendment 02 <br /> December 2021 H-3 <br />