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Descriptions of fish and wildlife resources are contained in Section 2.04.11 of the PAP. The fish <br /> and wildlife portion of the reclamation plan is in Section 2.05 of the PAP. Other wildlife related <br /> information is contained in Section 4.18, Exhibit 11 and Maps 13, 13A, 13B, 14, 14A, 15, 15A, <br /> and 15B of the PAP. <br /> With the expansion of mining into the South Taylor area, the Colorado Division of Parks and <br /> Wildlife expressed concerns regarding the re-establishment of mountain shrub and aspen <br /> communities, varying topsoil replacement depths to increase diversity, and developing snow <br /> holding sites (letter dated July 5, 2007). These concerns were addressed in TR-72 (approved <br /> June 2009) and in TR-84 (approved July 2011). <br /> Locations of possible raptor nesting sites within the Collom area have been included in the maps <br /> discussed in this section. Potential raptor nest sites that could possibly be impacted by mine <br /> related activities will be relocated to a nearby area not targeted for disturbance. In the Collom <br /> area, no designated critical habitat for any species is known to exist. <br /> A. Deer and Elk <br /> Colowyo has worked closely with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife in developing <br /> wildlife and range condition inventories for the Mine as well as a deer and elk habitat mitigation <br /> plan. The entire permit area is designated as winter range for both mule deer and elk. <br /> B. Sage Grouse <br /> Sage grouse mitigation measures include elimination of grazing in the permit area and reduction <br /> of grazing in adjacent lands. As described in other sections of this document, with TR-82, <br /> Colowyo provided a detailed plan for the variable replacement depth of topsoil on the backfilled <br /> and re-graded portions of the West Pit and South Taylor Pit. Related to the variable topsoil, <br /> Colowyo designed a seeding program whereas flatter slopes were seeded to sagebrush steppe, <br /> which is known to enhance sage grouse habitat. In the Collom Area, two greater sage-grouse <br /> and two Columbian sharp-tailed grouse lek sites would be impacted by mining disturbances. <br /> Based on survey information captured and discussed in Section 2.04.11(4), 2.05.4, and 2.05.6(2) <br /> of Volume 15 in the PAP, the impact to the overall grouse populations in the area can reasonably <br /> be described as minor. <br /> C. Golden Eagles and Other Raptors <br /> Several species of raptors were observed by contractor personnel (VTN, Colorado, Inc.) during <br /> baseline data collection in 19741977; many were year-round residents (Section 2.04.11 of the <br /> PAP). Golden eagle nests were sighted along Good Spring Creek within the permit area. Raptor <br /> sightings are shown on Maps 15 and 15A of the PAP. Limited surveys have been conducted <br /> since 1977. <br /> Locations of possible raptor nesting sites within the Collom area have also been included in the <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 <br /> Permit Renewal No. 8 Page 155 <br />