2005-02-10_REVISION - M1978314 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposed operation will result in a change of the age, structure, and density of sagebrush in the mined and reclaimed areas. Greater Sage-Grouse rely on sagebrush habitats for the majority of their life cycle, as sagebrush habitat is a critical component for both breeding success in Greater Sage-Grouse as well as winter survival of the species. The loss of sagebrush from this operation will result in a reduction of the amount of cover and food available for sage-grouse in the area. The loss of cover could lead to a decrease sage-grouse production and an increase in predation in this area. The petitioner is proposing an exttemely large increase in pit size and production that will be located in a relatively undisturbed area containing numerous acres of protected lands. This could inadvertently result in a diminished value associated with those adjacent conserved lands. Indirectly, the proposed operation and the resulting increase in gravel availability in South Routt could also lead to increase in development pressure. Increased development in this azea will result in additional increase habitat loss and fragmentation. SUGGESTED MITIGATION: We have recommended a variety of onsite and offsite mitigation strategies that the petitioner could adopt to mitigate the impacts the proposed King Mountain Sand & Gravel Mine will have on the existing wildlife, particulazly Greater Sage-Grouse habitat. While there are a few onsite mitigation measures that may address some of the impacts to Greater Sage-Grouse caused by the proposed activity, CDOW field staff feels that adequate mitigation will only be accomplished through the implementation of one or more offsite mitigation strategies. We are more than happy to work with the applicant to discuss and develop a mitigation plan for this project. POTENTIAL ONSITE MITIGATION: The following strategies could be implemented as part of the overall site and operation plan for the proposed King Mountain Sand & Gravel Mine. • Seasonal use restrictions can be implemented to create a temporal buffer. However, due to the importance of this location to Greater Sage-Grouse throughout the breeding and production season, this is not a realistic option for the applicant, as it would restrict operation from March through November. • During the breeding season, a restriction on hours of operation could be implemented to protect nearby lek activity. A starting time of 9:00 a.m. could potentially minimize noise disturbance and any subsequent impacts to neazby lek activity. Lek attendance typically occurs March through May. • Where possible, maintaining acreage with mature sagebrush interspersed with quality grass and forb understory could potentially reduce the degree of habitat loss resulting from the proposed project. • Seeding un-mined areas with a native grass and forb mixture that has high forb content could potentially benefit Greater Sage-Grouse by encouraging continued use of the azea by sage-grouse. • Enhancing riparian azeas and meadows around Smith and Egeria Creeks could provide brood-rearing habitat benefiting Greater Sage-Grouse and encouraging continued use of the area by sage-grouse. • When possible, avoid fence construction. This could reduce potential collision mortality for sage-grouse. Reclamation recommendations: • Develop sagebrush and herbaceous azeas to enhance existing nesting areas. • Seed reclaimed areas with native grass and forb mixture that has high forb content to benefit Greater Sage- Grouse. Smooth brome should be avoided in plantings. If there are areas with a high density of smooth brome, these areas should be treated to remove smooth brome and reseeded with more desirable grasses and fortis. • Develop springs in areas lacking water to benefit Greater Sage-Grouse. • If necessary to control noxious and perennial weeds, apply herbicide during late summer/eazly fall to minimize impacts to forb production during those periods most critical for Greater Sage-Grouse. • Complete reclamation of one phase of mining prior to mining the next phase to reduce the amount of a direct habitat loss at any one time.