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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-30 Revision Date: 8/6/25 <br /> Revision No.: PR-05 <br />utilize the reclaimed grasslands of the mine as foraging habitat. These numbers increase to <br />between 2000 and 4000 animals during the hunting season and then slowly drop off as the snow <br />depths increase and the elk herds migrate to lower elevations. The animals return in the Spring for <br />the early green-up. This occurs for at least three reasons: 1) elk are primarily grazers (grass <br />consumers) by nature, 2) there is abundant, high quality grass on the reclaimed areas especially in <br />comparison to surrounding country which exhibits very little if any grassland acreage and <br />relatively low grass production in shrublands, and 3) elk have learned that harassments (such as <br />hunting) are minimized on mining areas (refuge effect) which allows them to forage in relative <br />peace. Likewise, mule deer populations have been observed on reclaimed grasslands at elevated <br />densities (40-60 animals on a daily basis during the Spring, Summer, and Fall periods). Similarly, <br />15-20 pronghorn utilize the reclamation on a daily basis during the Spring and early Summer <br />periods. <br /> <br />Following the winter, it has been observed in early spring that forage utilization on the reclamation <br />often ranges between 70 and 90 percent, especially near water sources. In fact, utilization is often <br />so elevated that both elk and mule deer turn to the few unfenced shrubs that have been established <br />about the reclaimed area and cause extensive hedging damage. Over the years it has been observed <br />that such hedging eventually leads to the death of most of these over-utilized shrubs. <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.