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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />Assess the seasonal distribution of special-interest wildlife species (i.e., big game, raptors, aquatic <br />life, and special -concern species) in the general area, and specifically in potentially disturbed area. <br />Estimate relative numbers of special-interest wildlife species in the area and estimate relative <br />numbers of small mammals and breeding birds in the potentially disturbed areas. <br />These objectives comply with Rule 2.04.11 of the Divisionregulations, which is the basis for this section. <br />Information Sources <br />The sources of wildlife resource information are provided in Section 2.03.3(7). <br />There is considerable overlap in the geographic extent of resource maps provided by the Consol and <br />Colowyo studies. The extent of Monarch & Associates (i.e. Colowyo) resource studies encompasses an <br />area from the top of the Danforth Hills on the south into the Axial Basin to the north, with Good Springs <br />Creek and Maudlin Gulch forming the east and west boundaries of the study area. The Consol study area <br />is bounded by the Axial Basin and Yampa River to the north and west, the White River Plateau to the <br />east, and White River to the south. Wildlife resource data extends further south into Rio Blanco County <br />than data from Monarch & Associates, whereas, Monarch & Associates resource boundaries extend <br />further to the north and to the west. <br />Using these data sources, wildlife habitat types and special-interest wildlife habitats within the area have <br />been identified and mapped. Special-interest habitats include critical habitats for threatened or <br />endangered species, unique habitats (e.g., number or density of springs, seeps, cliffs, and snags), and <br />seasonally important habitats (e.g., raptor nest sites and big game year-round range and parturition areas). <br />Identification of special-interest habitat types was based on observed animal distributions during given <br />time periods, indirect evidence of relative use (e.g., browse utilization, tracks, and pellets), quantitative <br />and qualitative surveys, and scientific literature. The distribution of all special-interest habitats identified <br />in the area are delineated on maps 13A, 14A, and 15A. Information specific to the South Taylor/Lower <br />Wilson permit area was obtained from previous surveys conducted by others and conversations with <br />representatives from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). <br />General Observations <br />The previous studies indicate that several wildlife groups of importance occur in the general project area, <br />including big game, small mammals, raptors, upland game birds, and songbirds. These species use all or <br />portions of eight habitat types that occur within the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area, as <br />described below. <br />• Mountain shrub <br />• Sagebrush <br />• Aspen woodland <br />• Juniper Scrub <br />• Riparian woodland — Bottomland/ Erosional Feature <br />• Cropland <br />South Taylor/Lower Wilson— Rule 2. Page 60 Revision Date: 4/7/17 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />