2025-08-01_PERMIT FILE - C1981019

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 8/1/2025
• Section_Exhibit Name: Rule 2 Permits -ST
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

RULE 2 PERMITS

South Taylor – Rule 2, Page 43 Revision Date: 7/21/25
Revision No.: MR-267
Fifth, the C-MSRA is located on a ridgeline approximately two miles from the South Taylor Study Area.
This reference area encompasses both the mesic mountain shrub phase (Gambel oak dominated) and the
xeric mountain shrub phase (snowberry and serviceberry dominated). In addition, islands of dense
sagebrush and snowberry are can also be found in a few small clearings. This assemblage of community
sub-types (phases) very adequately represents the mountain shrub mosaic that is found in the Colowyo,
South Taylor, and Collom Study Areas. Perusal of Figure 2.04.10 – 9 indicates that this reference area is
representative of several areas with respect to cover in 2005. Between year comparisons of the South
Taylor Study Area and the C-MSRA indicate nearly identical herbaceous production values under similar
precipitation.
From a review of all data, it appears that the C-MSRA is comparable to the mountain shrub community in
the South Taylor Study Area as well even though collected data was from different years. It also appears
that the C-MSRA is equally if not more appropriate than the ST-MSRA for comparison purposes based
on total ground cover and herbaceous production. However, the C-SRA will be utilized for the South
Taylor Area as a “targeted reference area” for future evaluations of reclamation.
2.04.11(1-3) Fish and Wildlife Resources Information

The previously-approved permit document presents information relative to the existing mining area and
surrounding areas including the South Taylor mining area. These areas were surveyed for the presence of
large mammals (including elk and deer), small mammals (including various rodents), lagomorphs
(including rabbits), avifauna (including raptors, upland game birds, waterfowl, and non-game birds),
reptiles and amphibians, and aquatic life. Habitat for each survey group was also evaluated. The results
of the surveys are presented in the previously approved permit document.

The overall objective of this resource description is to utilize existing information pertaining to the South
Taylor permit revision area and the disturbed area associated with the mining areas to:

1) Quantitatively and qualitatively describe the wildlife resources;

2) Quantitatively and qualitatively describe special-interest wildlife species; and

3) Qualitatively describe the wildlife resource in the area surrounding the South Taylor permit revision
area and previously-approved permit area.

The major functions of the resource descriptions are to provide adequate information to first inform the
reviewer of significant wildlife features and general wildlife resource characteristics; and, second, to
establish a foundation for understanding the subsequent impacts and mitigation measures necessary for
inclusion under Rule 2.05. Additional objectives include:

• Identify and delineate wildlife habitats and evaluate their relative importance to various wildlife
species and groups.

• Develop a list of wildlife species known to occur (observed) or potentially occur in the area.

• Identify listed occurrences of federal and state threatened, endangered, or special-concern species and
identified critical habitats in the area.

• Assess the seasonal distribution of special-interest wildlife species (i.e., big game, raptors, aquatic
life, and special-concern species) in the general area, and specifically in potentially disturbed area.