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Mountain Coal Company West Elk Mine Deer Creek Shaft Project Plan TIIIZEATENED OR ENDANGERED AND SENSTI'IVE SPECIES To facilitate the agency review of this plan, a Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Survey of the proposed disturbed area was accomplished in accordance with USFS guidelines during May 2005. Results of the survey are attached to this submittal. An additional breeding bird survey was conducted in 2006 and another is being conducted in 2007. In addition, John Monarch and Associates developed a Biological AssessmentBiological Evaluation p wining to the Deer Creek Shaft project. That document entitled, "Mountain Coal Company, Deer Creek Shaft Project, Biological Assessment for Threatened and Endangered Species, Biological Evaluation for Sensitive Spades, Evaluation of Management Indicator Species' also accompanies this submittal: The document indicates that during wildlife surveys conducted during May and June 2005, no Threatened and Endangered species or their habitat were found. The result was the same for 2006_ LAND USE "The present land use of the proposed Deer Creek Shaft project area consists of domestic livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, watershed, recreational lands, and big game hunting. No agricultural areas exist within the area Coal mining has a long history in the North Fork Valley. MCC has operated the West Elk Mine as a viable mine since 1981 with an underground longwall in operation since 1992. Currently there are three mines in the North Fork Valley; the Elk Creek Mine operated by Oxbow Mining, Inc.; the Bowie No. 1 and No. 2 Mines operated by Bowie Resources Limited; and the West Elk Mine. Other mines that have existed in the valley include Beaz Mine Nos. 1, 2, and 3; Oliver Mine Nos. 1 and 2; hawks Nest Mine; the Somerset Mine; and the Edwards Mine_ CULTURAL RESOURCES To facilitate the agency review of this plan, Greystone Environmental Consultants performed a Cultural Resources Survey of the proposed disturbed azea in accordance with USFS guidelines during May 2005. Results of the survey have been forwarded to the Paonia Ranger District as part of a submittal that supported USFS authorization of entry for the E-Seam South Main Development Entries Methane Drainage Wells. These survey results (no Endings} were submitted as part of TR-104. PROPOSED ACCESS ROUTES The access mute for the Deer Creek Shag project area will require constructing a new light-use road extending from the Minnesota Creek Road (USFS 711) at a point south and Page 7 of 13