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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> <br />South Taylor – Rule 2, Page 44 Revision Date: 7/21/25 <br /> Revision No.: MR-267 <br />• Estimate relative numbers of special-interest wildlife species in the area and estimate relative <br />numbers of small mammals and breeding birds in the potentially disturbed areas. <br /> <br />These objectives comply with Rule 2.04.11 of the Division regulations, which is the basis for this section. <br /> <br />Information Sources <br /> <br />The sources of wildlife resource information are provided in Section 2.03.3(7). <br /> <br />There is considerable overlap in the geographic extent of resource maps provided by the Consol and <br />Colowyo studies. The extent of Monarch & Associates (i.e. Colowyo) resource studies encompasses an <br />area from the top of the Danforth Hills on the south into the Axial Basin to the north, with Good Springs <br />Creek and Maudlin Gulch forming the east and west boundaries of the study area. The Consol study area <br />is bounded by the Axial Basin and Yampa River to the north and west, the White River Plateau to the <br />east, and White River to the south. Wildlife resource data extends further south into Rio Blanco County <br />than data from Monarch & Associates, whereas, Monarch & Associates resource boundaries extend <br />further to the north and to the west. <br /> <br />Using these data sources, wildlife habitat types and special-interest wildlife habitats within the area have <br />been identified and mapped. Special-interest habitats include critical habitats for threatened or <br />endangered species, unique habitats (e.g., number or density of springs, seeps, cliffs, and snags), and <br />seasonally important habitats (e.g., raptor nest sites and big game year-round range and parturition areas). <br />Identification of special-interest habitat types was based on observed animal distributions during given <br />time periods, indirect evidence of relative use (e.g., browse utilization, tracks, and pellets), quantitative <br />and qualitative surveys, and scientific literature. The distribution of all special-interest habitats identified <br />in the area are delineated on Maps 13B and 15B. Information specific to the South Taylor permit area <br />was obtained from previous surveys conducted by others and conversations with representatives from the <br />Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). <br /> <br />General Observations <br /> <br />The previous studies indicate that several wildlife groups of importance occur in the general project area, <br />including big game, small mammals, raptors, upland game birds, and songbirds. These species use all or <br />portions of eight habitat types that occur within the South Taylor permit revision area, as described below. <br /> <br />• Mountain shrub <br /> <br />• Sagebrush <br /> <br />• Aspen woodland <br /> <br />• Juniper Scrub <br /> <br />• Riparian woodland – Bottomland/ Erosional Feature <br /> <br />• Cropland <br /> <br />• Grassland <br /> <br />• Wetland