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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-30 Revision Date: 3/7/25 <br /> Revision No.: TR-166 <br /> <br />Because of the dependence on these areas, and the shrub populations, efforts by Colowyo (as <br />indicated in the previous portions of Section 2.05) have continued to improve reclamation <br />techniques. As discussed in this revision, new and significant strides are being taken to re-establish <br />sagebrush steppe communities as well as grassland areas. Many of these new measures will benefit <br />not only the large game animal segment of the wildlife community, but also other components <br />such as sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse populations that are dependent on sagebrush and other <br />woody species for forage and cover. <br /> <br />Impacts of Mining Operations on Wildlife Resources Within the Mine Plan Area <br /> <br />Several short term negative impacts to wildlife are to be expected in the permit area. Removal of <br />vegetation communities and habitats will be the most direct impact, resulting in a reduction of <br />forage and cover. Non-mobile species will be destroyed in localized areas as vegetation and topsoil <br />are removed. Mobile species will be temporarily displaced until mined areas are reclaimed. As <br />the mine progresses, some changes in topography will occur through the removing of vegetation, <br />rock outcroppings, draws, etc. which form natural shelters. <br /> <br />Disturbance of soils will affect soil profiles, micro-climate, and other soil properties. <br /> <br />The backfilling and grading as required in Section 4.14.2 will assure that topographic features and <br />drainage patterns will be returned to approximate original contour. <br /> <br />Wildlife species inhabiting the permit area that have the most potential for being affected include <br />deer, elk, sage grouse, and raptors. However, experience to date has shown that all of these species <br />have adapted to the presence of the Colowyo operation, resulting in minimal direct impact. Most <br />of the mitigation measures, protection measures, and habitat improvement techniques are directed <br />toward this wildlife group. <br /> <br />Range and Wildlife Management Programs <br /> <br />Data collected during pre-mine studies during 1974 - 1976 indicated overuse by cattle, deer, and <br />elk. A majority of the browse species (serviceberry, oak, snowberry, bitterbrush, sage, <br />chokecherry) showed overutilization to varying degrees. (It has been evident both past and present <br />that many of the shrubs are in a decadent condition.) <br /> <br />The results of past poor range management practices and heavy browse use have been a reduction <br />in growth with less available forage. In addition, species such as oak and serviceberry have grown <br />taller, with palatable growth being limited to a height which can be reached only by the largest <br />animals. <br /> <br />As oak and serviceberry have grown taller, large windbreaks have been created. In the winter, <br />these areas hold the snow, which becomes deep enough to limit all access by deer and elk. Thirty <br />years of observations on the permit area have shown that winter use of the mountain shrub type by <br />elk and deer is highly dependent on snow depth and severity of winter weather conditions. The <br />use of serviceberry has been limited to shrubs near the edges of the stands where less snow buildup