2021-04-14_PERMIT FILE - C1996084 (8)

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undisturbed habitats on the eastern portion of the permit area. Also haul roads within Little Jeff and Cow Canyons would be unavailable for wildlife during the life of the mine and may prevent wildlife from moving through these areas. However, no underpasses or fencing of roadways to guide wildlife to underpasses are necessary or proposed. Minimisation of this impact may occur as a result of work schedules. Although the mine will be in operation 24-hours a day, active mining would only occur during two 8-hour shifts. During the 8-hour night shift (approximately 10 pm to 6 am) minimal traffic would occur on the haul roads. Any traffic would be restricted to service vehicles. In addition, mining activities are not scheduled to occur on weekends. Therefore, at night and on weekends wildlife would be able to access areas adjacent to and move across the haul roads, thereby minimizing the effects of fragmentation. LCC would also work with the landowner to place signs on the roads to eliminate hunting in areas of active mine operations. All new fences constructed within the permit area will allow for the free movement of wildlife and restrict cattle movements. Fences will be constructed according to Yoakum 1980. The new fences will consist of three strands of bazbed wire with the posts placed at approximately 16.5 foot intervals. The bottom strand will be 16 inches above the ground's surface so young animals can crawl under the fence. The top strand will be smooth and no more than 36 inches above the ground. In addition, stays will be placed between posts. The combination of stays and lower height of the top wire will allow ease ofjumping for both elk and deer and reduce the potential for animals to become entangled in the fence. Also where easy access is required, cattle guards will be installed. All project-related fencing will be removed upon completion of the project or when it is no longer required for the protection of the resource. LCC would also monitor wildlife/vehicle collisions within the permit area. Monitoring will include species involved, location, time of day, and season. Monitoring would be conducted by the on-site Environmental Coordinator and Safery Officer. Collisions resulting in the loss of a big game species would be reported to the CDOW. A yearly report detailing wildlife/vehicle collisions will be prepared and submitted to CDMG and CDOW. If numerous incidents are reported from a specific area, fencing, underpasses, or overpasses may be conswcted to minimize the potential for collisions. Bear proof trash containers will be installed in all areas of human use within the Permit Area. The type of container used would be similar to the McClintock Metal Fabricator Mini II with the Barrier free lid or the side hinged lids. In addition, all trash will be removed from the Permit Area and taken to a designated county landfill. LCC will include beaz awareness information and procedures for handling beaz conflict as part of employee training. If bear problems arise within the Permit Area, LCC will contact the CDOW for assistance in resolving the conflict. Potential impacts to amphibian species would be mitigated by ripazian protection measures as identified in 2.04.13. Under the measures outlined, a buffer zone of 100 feet on either side of all perennial streams would be maintained. Habitats within this 200 foot buffer zone would not be • impacted by mining operations. PERMIT.re~lluly I5. 1941 2.05-83 (revised 7/ 15/97)