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• Due to a "status undetermined" classification by The Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse are being intensively studied to determine <br />their use of, and occurrence on and around, the permit area. The first year of data <br />showed that year around numbers of sharp-tailed grouse occurring on the property <br />are relatively low with higher numbers occurring in surrounding areas. <br />One sharp-Tailed grouse lek located near the Moffat Area (Exhibit 2.7-2) was <br />observed regularly ihoughout the breeding period. Attendance figures indicate that <br />this lek may not be as important to the population as other grounds in the area. <br />However, until mining actually begins, indirect impacts on this lek cannot be <br />predicted. <br />Other species of birds and mammals occur in the area (both on and off the <br />property) in numbers that would be expected for these habitat types. <br />Data collected to date show that in the areas reclaimed to smooth contours <br />with grasses and fortis wildlife use is low except for rodents and raptors that prey <br />on the rodents. In contrast, the unreclaim ed areas on West Ridge receive high use <br />by a diverse number of species. This high use appears to be in response to two <br />primary factors, I) increased relief in the topography and 2) more diverse vegetative <br />• communities resulting from the microclimates created. The result is increased food <br />and cover for wildlife, especially larger species such as deer. <br />No threatened or endangered species were observed on or over the permit area. <br />Greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were observed near the permit area <br />on more than one occasion. No breeding, nesting or brood rearing by these birds was <br />observed on or near the permit area. <br />Conclusions <br />From data collected to date it can be concluded that species of wildlife will <br />be impacted by loss of habitat during mining. The severity and duration of impacts <br />will be dependent upon the species, habitat types lost and the effectiveness of the <br />reclamation measures. No threatened or endangered species are expected to be <br />impacted from the mining or reclamation activities. Based upon the findings to date <br />the proposed mitigation measures (see Fish and Wildlife Management Plan and <br />Reclamation sections) will minimize short term impacts to wildlife and subsequently <br />result in improved habitat that will result in long term benefits to wildlife. <br />• Highly mobile species such as deer, elk and grouse are not expected to be <br />significantly impacted. These species use the areas to be mined at lower or <br />2.7 -2 <br />