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r~ <br />u <br />PROJECT DESCRIPTION <br />Mountain Coal Company (MCC) operates the West Elk Mine under a permit (No. C-$0-007) issued <br />by the Colorado Division of Mineral and Geology (DMG). The location on the mine is approximately <br />two miles east of Somerset, Colorado off Colorado State Highway 133. <br />Under MCC's ongoing exploratory drilling program, wells are drilled within the mine permit boundary in <br />order to assess new coal resources within the mine area. In compliance with the Endangered Species <br />Act of 1972 as amended, a cleazance survey for all threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plant <br />species is required before drilling can begin. In addition to federally threatened and endangered species, <br />plants and animals that azc listed as sensitive by the Uncompahgre, Grand Mcsa and Gunnison National <br />Forests with potential to occur at the drill sift was included in the survey <br />(Table 1). <br />A survey is also required to identify any habitats of concern. These azeas might include wetlands, <br />riparian azeas, unusual topographic features, etc. <br />The purpose of this report is to discuss habitat and potential occurrence of each threatened, endangered <br />and sensitive species of concern (TES) at drill pad 14-04, and to present the results of the June 12-13, <br />• 2001 field survey. <br />SITE LOCATION <br />West Ells Minc is located in Gunnison County approximately two milts cast of Somerset, Colorado on <br />State Highway 133. Proposed drill pad site 14-04 (T13S, R90W, Section 26, NWl/4, NWl/4) is <br />addressed in this report. <br />METHODS <br />The field investigation was competed in two tasks. Task 1 entailed the determination of suitable habitat <br />on the site for each species of concern. Task 2 entailed a detailed species survey if suitable habitat was <br />idenri8ed. This included interviewing local LJS Forest 5etvice professionals to help make habitat <br />dctcrminations. All field work was completed on Juno 12-13, 2001. <br />RESULTS <br />Dril] pad site 14-04 is located at the head of Sylvester Gulch on the southwest end of West Flatiron. <br />Acecss wiU be from an existing vehicle road crossing the head of Sylvester Gulch. New access will <br />continue approximately 600 feet northeasterly upslope to the proposed location from a switchback in the <br />existing road. Vegetation is Gambcl's oak with brush understory (predominantly servceberry, <br />• snowberry and chokecherry). The habitat at or around the project azea is not suitable for any of the <br />1 <br />E0 39'dd aNf1~CA7)+~l oc~c r~~cnc cn';n rnn~ir•i,n <br />