2006-06-14_REVISION - M1978314 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposed operation will result in s change of the age, stmctun, and density of sagebrush in the mined and reclaimed areas. Greater Sage-Cnousc rely on sagebrush habitats for the majority of their life cycle, as sagebrush habitat is a critical component for both brecdvrg success in Greater Sage-Grouse as well as winter survival of the species. The loss of sagebrush from this operation will result im 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 extremely lazge increase in pit siu and production that will be located in a relatively undisturbed arm containing numerous acres of protecud lands This could inadvertently result in a diminished value associated with those adjacent conserved lands. Indirectly, the proposed operation and the resulting increase in grave! availability in South Routt could also lead to increase in development pressure. Increased development in this area en71 result in additional increase habitat loss and liagmmtation. SUGGESTED MTfIGATiON: 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 wrll have on the existing wildlife, particularly Greater Sage-Grouse habitat Whilb there are a few ansite mitigation measures that may address some of the impacts to Greater Sage-Grouse caused by the proposed activity, CROW field staff feels that adequate mitigation wr71 only be accomplished through the itrrplemmtation of one or mans offsite mitigation strategies. Wean mote than happy to work with the applicant to disctaas and develop s mitigation plan for this Projmt POTENTIAL ONSPTE 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 crsau a temporal buffet However, due to the importance of this location to Greater Sage-Grouse throughout the bnedurg and production seasam, this is not a realistic option fart the applicant, as it would restrict operation from March through November. • • During the brcedarg season, a restriction on hours of operation could be implemented to protect nearby lek activity. A starting time of 9:00 e.m. could potentially rninirrrize noise disturbance and arty subsequent impacts to nearby lck activity. Lek attendance typically occtns Match through May. • Where possrble, maintaining acreage with mature sagebrush iaterapersed with quality grass and fork understory could potentially reduce the degree of habitat lose resulting from the proposed project • Seeding un-rained areas with a native grass and forb mixture that has high forb contort could potentially benefit Greater Sage-Crrouse by rncouraging continued use of the area bysage-grouses • Enhancing riparian areas and meadows around Smith and Egeria Creeks could provide brood-rearing habitat benefiting Greater Sage-Grouse and encouraging continued use of the area bysage-goose. • When possrble, avoid force construction. This could reduce potential collision mortality for sage-grouse. Reclamation recotnrrreadationa: • Develop sagebrush and herbaceous areas to enhance ocisting nesting areas. • Seed reclaimed arses with native grass and forb mixture that has high forb content to benefit Greater Sage- Grouse. Smooth brume should be avoided in plantings, If there are areas with a high density of smooth brume, these azeas should be treated to remove smooth brome and reseeded with more desirable grasses .and forts. • Develop springs in areas lacking water to benefit Greater Sage-Grouse. • If neccssa:y to control noxious and perennial weeds, apply herbicide during late summer/early fall W minimize impacts to forb production during those periods most critical for Greats Sage-Grouse. • CorrrpIcte reclamation of one phase of raining prior to raining the neat phase to educe the amount of a direct habitat loss st any one time.