REV101371 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

and snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus). The mountain shrub community is characterized by varying densities of serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Gambell's oak (Quercus gambelii), and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The juniper community is dominated by an open overstory of Utah juniper (Juniperus utahensis) rarely over ffteen feet tall, and is limited to bluffs alottg the lower portion of Taylor and Good Spring Creeks. The aspen woodland community is characterized by tall dense groves of aspen (Populus tremuloides) as the primary overstory with elements of the mountain shrub community as the secondary overstory. Within the permit area limited areas of a riparian community exists along Taylor and Good Spring Creeks. This community is characterized by a very limited overstory of isolated cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia) and boxelder trees (Ater negundo). Specifically, PR-02 proposes to add approximately 6,050 acres to the existing 7,531 acre permit area to recover coal from parts of Federal leases C-0123476, C-29225, and C-29226 recovery by surface mining methods nine coal seams of the Williams Fork Formation in all or part of; Township 3 North, Range 93 West 6a' P.M. Sections 5, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 29, 30; Township 4 North, Range 93 West 6a' P.M. Sections 15, 16, 21, 22, 28, 32, 33. The above-mentioned tracts of land are also shown on USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps of Axial and Nine Mile Gap. Colowyo Coal Company, L.P. only plans to disturb approximately 905 acres of the 6,050 acres proposed to be added to the permit by PR-02. Coal recovery operations proposed in PR-02 will add a ninth seam to be mined in the William Fork Formation. In order to meet State and Federal water quality standards the construction of four additional sediment control and treatment pond are also proposed in PR-02. Bald eagle The bald eagle, (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), is a bird of aquatic ecosystems, frequenting estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs, major rivers, and some seacoast habitats. Prey during the breeding season primarily consists of fish, but waterfowl, seagulls, and carrion aze also eaten. The species may also use prairies if adequate food is available. Bald eagles usually nest in trees neaz water, but are known to nest on cliffs and (rarely) on the ground. Nest sites are usually in large trees along shorelines in relatively remote areas that are free of disturbance. The trees must be sturdy and open to support a nest that is often 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Adults tend to use the same breeding azeas yeaz after year, and often the same nest, though a breeding azea may include one or more alternate nests. The major components of habitat in wintering grounds include an adequate food source and suitable trees for diurnal perching and nocturnal roosting.