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PROJECT DESCRIPTION Ivlountain Coal Company (i~iCC) operates the Nest Elk Mine under a permit (No. C-SU-007j issued by the Colorado Division ofMineral and Geology (DMG). The location on the mine is approximately two miles east of Somerset, Colorado off Colorado Slate Highway 133. Under MCC's ongoing exploratory drilling program, wells are drilled within the mine permit boundary in order to assess new coal resources within the mine azea. In compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1972 as amended, a clearance survey for all threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plant species is required before drilling can begin. In addition to federally threatened and endangered species, species that are listed as sensitive by the Uncompahgre, Grand Mesa and Gunnison National Forests with potential to occur at the drill site was included in the survey (Table 1). A survey is also required to identify any habitats of concem. These areas might include wetlands, riparian areas, unusual topographic features, etc. The purpose of this report is to discuss habitat and potential occurrence of each threatened, endangered and sensitive species of concem (TES) at drill pad 14-04, and to present the results of the June 12-13, 2001 field survey. SITE LOCATION West Elk Mine is located in Gunnison County approximately two miles east of Somerset, Colorado on State Highway 133. Proposed drill pad site 14-04 (T13S, R90W, Section 26, NWl/4, NW 1/4) is addressed in this report (Figure 1, page 5). METHODS The field investigation was completed in two [asks. Task 1 entailed the determination of suitable habitat on the site for each species of concern. Task 2 entailed a detailed species survey if suitable ~:,,, L~ habitat was identified. All field work was completed on June 12-13, 2001. RESULTS Drill pad site 14-04 is located at the head of Sylvester Gulch on the southwest end of West Flatiron. Access will be from an existing vehicle road crossing the head of Sylvester Gulch. New access will continue approximately 600 feet northeasterly upslope to the proposed location from a switchback in the existing road. Vegetation is Gambel's oak with brush understory (predominantly serviceberry, snowberry and chokecherry).