2025-08-01_PERMIT FILE - C1981019

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RULE 2 PERMITS South Taylor – Rule 2, Page 46 Revision Date: 7/21/25 Revision No.: MR-267 • Winter range • High use wintering areas Late fall and early spring areas The mule deer spring/summer range is typically occupied from May through September. Spring aerial counts varied from a high of 711 deer in 1995 to a low of 529 animals in 1996 in this habitat type. Mule deer winter range and mule deer high use wintering areas, which are the two areas found in the South Taylor permit revision area, are generally occupied from December through April. Aerial winter counts ranged from a low of 184 animals in 1994 to a high of 918 in 1997, with the majority of observations occurring in the sagebrush and mountain shrub habitats. Raptors Based on a four-year period of observation, thirteen raptor species have been observed in the previously approved and South Taylor permit areas (Monarch and Associates, 1998). In addition to these opportunistic sightings, intensive survey of raptor nesting activity was carried out over several periods between 1984 and 1997 (as reported in Monarch and Associates, Wildlife Baseline Studies 1998; and Monarch and Associates, Raptor Nesting Activity Report, 1998). Based on these studies, a total of 6 nests have been identified within the previously approved permit area. Five hawk nesting sites and three unknown nesting sites were identified in the South Taylor Permit Area (Table 2.04.11-14Ch; Map 15B Sheet 1). Birds A total of ninety-two species of birds occur within the general project area. However, the diversity and density of these species within the various habitat types vary by season. Appendix A of the Wildlife Baseline Studies for the Colowyo Coal Company L.P. Properties in the Danforth Hills (Monarch and Associates, 1998) provides a list of these species, habitat, and number of birds/ kilometer. Sage Grouse – Historically, sage grouse have occurred throughout northwestern Colorado. However, in the late 1980's and early 90's sage grouse populations have declined throughout the range. But, by 1996 the numbers of sage grouse within the general project area began to increase. Although populations are not as high as in the early 80's, the populations appear to be increasing. This increase may be related to both favorable weather conditions during the brood rearing season and vegetative manipulations within the general mine area. Sage grouse have been observed within the general project area during all seasons of the year, within the sagebrush, mountain shrub, and bottomland grassland habitat types. Studies conducted in more recent years resulted in the identification of the SG-1 and SG-2 leks located immediately adjacent to the South Taylor permit revision area (Map 15B Sheet 2), though reports from these studies have also made the case that these two proximate leks should be regarded as one (Monarch and Associates, 1998). Fieldwork conducted in subsequent years has also documented the occurrence of sage grouse hens with broods on ridges in the vicinity of SG-1 and SG-2 (Monarch and Associates, 2000). This would indicate that nesting is occurring within these areas. During the late summer broods have been observed in the mountain shrub communities northwest of the Permit Revision Area, between Morgan Gulch and the Wilson drainages. Although winter birds have been observed within the general area, it appears that better wintering areas occur north of the property in the Axial Basin.