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REPORT -,:.:~ .. .,,,_ w.,, _.~......W:^=~.~ sa-v~. ~;,. r,: ., ...mss-'-°" ~r:+;:::..,. ., _~. ,.^~. ,. :_~:. INTRODUCTION The Mountain Coal Company (MCC) operates the West Elk Mine under a permit (No. C-80- r.'a^ ~~ 007) issued by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG). The location of the mine is in Gunnison County approximately two miles east of Somerset, Colorado off of r..L ~~r= Colorado State Highway 133. ';~,? Under the MCC's ongoing exploratory drilling program, wells aze drilled within the mine permit f'" boundary in order to assess new coal resources within the mine area. In compliance with the ~_- ~"" Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended, a clearance survey for all federally-listed threatened and endangered wildlife and plant species is required before drilling can begin. ht ~'` addition, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) requires a cleazance survey for all USFS sensitive `" species to be completed before drilling can begin. The threatened, endangered, and USFS ~, sensitive (TES) species of concern potentially occurring in proximity of the West Elk Mine aze listed in Appendix A. A survey is also required to identify any fragile or particularly sensitive areas of concern. These areas might include wetlands, riparian areas, and unusual topographic features such as rock outcrops. ~~~ Afield investigation of the study area within panels 18 through 24 was conducted on October 24-26, 2001 to assess potential impacts to TES species. This report describes the methodology ~:`~ and results of the field investigation. ~ SITE LOCATION The West Ells Mine is located in Gunnison County approximately two miles east of Somerset, ~: Colorado. The study area for panels 18 through 24 is located in Township 13 South, Range 90 f West, including portions of Sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27 (Figure 1). The study area consists of potential drill pad locations and access roads for possible "de-gas" vent holes for underground mine panels 18 through 24 of the West Elk Mine. METHODS The field investigation was completed by canvassing the project azea via all-terrain vehicle and by walking. General habitat types (e.g., scrub/shrub, riparian) were identified and compazed to the preferred habitat of the relevant TES species that could potentially occur in the project azea. Habitat types and specific habitat components (e.g., cavity nests in aspen trees, seeps, and springs) were documented at each proposed drill site. Field conditions and weather were good; however, nearly all deciduous trees had shed their leaves and understory vegetation was primarily dormant, thereby making species identification more difficult. TESSurvey]8[hru24-RPr(110)Rev4./OClober 31, 2007