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1 .0 Executive Summary <br /> 1.1 Overview of the Sage-grouse Management Plan at The West Side Placer <br /> Project <br /> The Sage-grouse Management Plan for The West Side Placer Project,led by AuPt Industries LLC, is designed to <br /> ensure the conservation of the greater sage-grouse during placer mining operations in Moffat County, Colorado. <br /> This plan integrates specific wildlife conservation measures with sustainable mining operations,with a central <br /> strategy of minimizing disturbances during the sage-grouse's critical lekking season.Monitoring and manage- <br /> ment activities will be conducted by qualified field biologists,who are trained and experienced in avian biology <br /> and ecosystem management, ensuring high standards of precision and environmental stewardship. Additionally, <br /> the plan mandates continuous reclamation activities that utilize a native grass mix specifically chosen to support <br /> sage-grouse habitat recovery. <br /> 1.2 Summary of Key Objectives and Strategies <br /> The Sage-Grouse Management Plan for The West Side Placer follows guidelines set forth by Colorado Parks and <br /> Wildlife (CPW) to ensure a balance between mining operations and the conservation of greater sage-grouse <br /> populations. The key objectives and strategies are as follows: <br /> 1. Protection of Critical Habitat <br /> The primary objective is to protect sage-grouse habitats, especially during critical life stages, in alignment with <br /> CPW guidelines: <br /> • Establishment of Buffer Zones:A buffer zone of at least 0.6 miles (1 km) will be enforced around leks to <br /> prevent disturbances during the breeding season, as recommended by CPW and the Northwest Colorado <br /> Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan ("Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy;' CPW; "Northwest <br /> Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan;' CPW). <br /> • Habitat Preservation: Operations will prioritize preserving intact sagebrush ecosystems,which provide es- <br /> 4 <br /> HARDROCK/METAL MINING REGULAR(112)APPLICATION Au Pt Industries LLC I PO Box 1424-Edwards,Colorado 81632 1970 306 1 784 <br />