2021-09-03_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (8)

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RULE 2 PERMITS loop. This cropland is planted in row crops (typically wheat, average of 30 bushels per acre per year) every other year and is fallow when not planted. When fallow, it receives only cultivation to reduce/remove weed invasion and preclude transpiration of soil moisture. The portions of the cropland internal to the vegetation study area were fallow in 2005. Disturbed Areas — As indicated on Map 4, the disturbed areas occupy approximately 26.2 acres of the study area. They encompass small barren areas, homesteads, ranch buildings and yards, and two-lane or larger roads. Additionally, they include mining-related disturbances associated with the active Colowyo mine, which include shops, offices, load-outs, pits, waste rock dumps, parking lots, railroad tracks, and revegetated areas. These mining-related disturbances are associated with the active Colowyo mine located outside the study area, but within the Wildlife Study Area. Little to no vegetation exists in the disturbed areas. Wetlands—Please see Exhibit 10,Item 7 in Volume 20. Other Designated Vegetation Communities Sage Grouse Target Habitat Reference Area - As indicated on Map 4, the Sage Grouse reference area occupies 79.5 acres and is located on flat upland between Collom and Morgan Creeks, in an area that has received significant sagebrush reduction effort. This reference area was selected to provide target parameters of vegetation that are conducive to Sage Grouse early brood rearing. According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), this is the most important life stage for this taxon that can be provided by lower project area habitats. The radio-telemetry data that had been collected by CPW was extensively reviewed and concentrations of radio-collared birds during this critical life stage were located from this data. One of the densest concentrations of observations (hence the conclusion that life requisites were being met) and external to the study area, was in the area of the Sage Grouse Target Habitat reference area. Since these birds were extensively using this habitat at this time, it was readily hypothesized that the floral variables, including structural, spatial, and compositional, being provide by this area were optimal for early brooding in Sage Grouse. Floral variables documented from this area could then be utilized to design revegetation efforts to encourage reclamation conducive to this important habitat, and thereby hopefully encourage post- mining recolonization by Sage Grouse. By documenting the characteristics and circumstances provided by this area prior to disturbance, additional reclamation planning capability as well as bond release strategies are afforded for future efforts. A total of 51 plant species were observed in the reference area. No sensitive species were observed. One noxious weed, Canada thistle,was observed in the reference area(Table 2.04.10-34). The average vegetation cover in the Sage Grouse Target Habitat reference area was 55.2 percent,with 0.4 percent rock, 27.8 percent litter,and 16.6 percent bare ground exposure. Dominant plant species and their ground cover percentage included: western wheatgrass(11.8 percent), snakeweed(8.7 percent), Sandberg bluegrass (7.5 percent), cheatgrass (6.8 percent), mountain big sagebrush (5.6 percent), and low rabbitbrush (3.4 percent). Of the total plant cover, 82 percent (45.2 percent average cover) was due to perennials (excluding noxious weeds). Annuals species contributed 18 percent and noxious weeds contributed 0 percent of the composition. Seven perennial species contributed 3 percent relative cover or composition(3 percent is the typical lower limit for plant diversity bond release evaluations), with four of those species being grasses and three shrubs(Table 2.04.10-71). The average herbaceous production of the Sage Grouse Target Habitat reference area was 792 pounds per acre, nven-dry weigjit, with 76 percent(59R pnundc per acre) due to perennialc (grascec enntrihnting 161 pounds per acre, forbs contributing 34 pounds per acre, and sub-shrubs contributing 200 pounds per acre) Collom—Rule 2,Page 58 Revision Date: 12/20/19 Revision No.: TR-135