2021-12-22_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/22/2021
• Section_Exhibit Name: Rule 2 Permits -ST
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

RULE 2 PERMITS
the South Taylor Project Area.
Fifth, the C-MSRA is located on a ridgeline approximately two miles from the South Taylor Study Area
and only one mile from the Lower Wilson study area. This reference area encompasses both the mesic
mountain shrub phase (Gambel oak dominated) and the xeric mountain shrub phase (snowberry and
serviceberry dominated). In addition, islands of dense sagebrush and snowberry are can also be found in
a few small clearings. This assemblage of community sub -types (phases) very adequately represents the
mountain shrub mosaic that is found in the Colowyo, Lower Wilson, South Taylor, and Collom Study
Areas. Perusal of Figure 2.04.10 — 9 indicates that this reference area is representative of several areas
with respect to cover in 2005. Between year comparisons of the South Taylor Study Area and the C-
MSRA indicate nearly identical herbaceous production values under similar precipitation.
From a review of all data, it appears that the C-MSRA is comparable to the mountain shrub community in
the South Taylor Study Area as well even though collected data was from different years. It also appears
that the C-MSRA is equally if not more appropriate than the ST-MSRA for comparison purposes based
on total ground cover and herbaceous production. However, the C -SRA will be utilized for the South
Taylor Area as a "targeted reference area" for future evaluations of reclamation.
2.04.11(1-3) Fish and Wildlife Resources Information
The previously -approved permit document presents information relative to the existing mining area and
surrounding areas including the Lower Wilson and South Taylor mining areas. These areas were
surveyed for the presence of large mammals (including elk and deer), small mammals (including various
rodents), lagomorphs (including rabbits), avifauna (including raptors, upland game birds, waterfowl, and
non -game birds), reptiles and amphibians, and aquatic life. Habitat for each survey group was also
evaluated. The results of the surveys are presented in the previously approved permit document.
The overall objective of this resource description is to utilize existing information pertaining to the South
Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area and the disturbed area associated with the mining areas to:
1) Quantitatively and qualitatively describe the wildlife resources;
2) Quantitatively and qualitatively describe special-interest wildlife species; and
3) Qualitatively describe the wildlife resource in the area surrounding the South Taylor/Lower Wilson
permit revision area and previously -approved permit area.
The major functions of the resource descriptions are to provide adequate information to first inform the
reviewer of significant wildlife features and general wildlife resource characteristics; and, second, to
establish a foundation for understanding the subsequent impacts and mitigation measures necessary for
inclusion under Rule 2.05. Additional objectives include:
• Identify and delineate wildlife habitats and evaluate their relative importance to various wildlife
species and groups.
• Develop a list of wildlife species known to occur (observed) or potentially occur in the area.
• Identify listed occurrences of federal and state threatened, endangered, or special -concern species and
identified critical habitats in the area.
South Taylor/Lower Wilson — Rule 2, Page 59 Revision Date: 4/7/17
Revision No.: RN -07