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sharp-tailed grouse, peregrine falcon, yellow-billed cuckoo, boreal toad, black-footed ferret, Canada lynx, and North
<br /> American wolverine. MCM and predecessor entities have documented and reported (species identification, date, and
<br /> location) any sightings of rare and endangered species to the CDRMS. Over the years, greater sandhill crane, golden
<br /> eagle, and immature golden or bald eagles have been observed as transients, with no long-term occupancy noted in the
<br /> Permit Area.
<br /> In addition, the potential exists for the Colorado pikeminnow to inhabit sections of the Yampa and Williams Fork
<br /> rivers, and other endangered fish species, including the humpback chub, bonytail chub, and razorback sucker may
<br /> occur further downstream in the Yampa/Green/Colorado rivers. A fish and benthic organism survey was conducted
<br /> for the Williams Fork River near the coal storage silo for 2.5 years. As a permit stipulation, the survey was to be
<br /> conducted for five-years, however, the stipulation was removed in August 1982, after RAG Empire provided a
<br /> statistical demonstration that the mining operation was not impacting the biota of the Williams Fork River. No
<br /> Colorado pikeminnow were observed during the survey.
<br /> Due to increases in population, the bald eagle has been de-listed, the sage grouse has been removed from candidate
<br /> status, there is not suitable habitat for the Canada lynx, and North American wolverine in the permit and adjacent
<br /> areas, and the other TES fish species (other than Colorado pikeminnow) have not been found in the Yampa River in
<br /> any proximity to the permit area. In order to protect fish,wildlife, and related habitat values, MCM is committed and
<br /> will continue to:
<br /> • Document and report any observations of TES species to the CDRMS, including species identification date,
<br /> and location
<br /> • Consult with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for any disturbance within breeding and
<br /> nesting areas for TES bird species, and implement appropriate protection/mitigation measures per their
<br /> recommendations
<br /> • Locate any roads and facilities so as to minimize impacts to the extent possible on any identified fish and
<br /> wildlife habitat values
<br /> • Post and maintain stream buffer zones to minimize impacts on riparian habitat and water quality
<br /> • Post and encourage compliance with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph on mine roads
<br /> • Minimize traffic, noise, and light to the extent reasonably possible
<br /> • Employ a raptor-proof design on all newly constructed power poles. A typical raptor-proof design is
<br /> presented in Figure 58,Typical Raptor-Proof Power Pole Diagram.
<br /> • Maintain compliance with applicable CDPS effluent discharge limitations
<br /> • Utilize approved seed mixtures which include a diverse mix of predominately native grasses, forbs, and
<br /> shrubs for reclamation of all mine disturbance areas except cropland
<br /> • To the extent possible consistent with applicable regulatory limitations, preserve and maintain water
<br /> collection basins as long-term watering sources for livestock and wildlife
<br /> • Take appropriate measures to control noxious weeds on reclaimed areas
<br /> • Not use persistent herbicides/pesticides,unless approved by the CDRMS
<br /> • To the extent possible, prevent, control, and suppress any range fires not approved as part of land
<br /> management plans and practices
<br /> The noted general protective measures will afford adequate protection for any TES species that may exist and/or could
<br /> occur in the permit and adjacent areas. In addition, if any TES species or associated critical habitat are identified
<br /> within the permit and adjacent areas,MCM will notify the CDRMS(as noted above)and consult with CPW relative to
<br /> appropriate protection/mitigation measures, and will implement appropriate protection/mitigation measures per their
<br /> recommendations.
<br /> Protection of Hydrologic Balance
<br /> Ponds, Ditches and Diversions. RAG Empire has a drainage and sediment control plan in place, which controls all
<br /> water, which moves into, through, and out of the permit area. The drainage and sediment control plan is shown
<br /> RN18-07 2.05-36 Revised 7/10/18
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