2006-06-12_REVISION - M1978314 (2)

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The proposed operation will result in s change of the age, structure, and density of sagebrush in the mined and reclaimed areas. Greater Sage-Grouse rely an sagebrush habitats for the majority of then life cycle, as sagebrush habitat is a critical component for both breedirtg success in Grtater 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 mould lead to a decrease sage-grouse production and an increase in predation in this area. The petitioner is proposing an extremely ]azge increase in pit size and production that will be located in a relatively undisturbed azea containing numerous acres of protected lands. This could inadvertently result is a diminished value associated with those adjacent conserved lands. Indirectly, the proposed operation and the resulting increase in gavel availability in South Routt could also lead to increase in development pressure. Increased development in this area will result in additional uterease habitat loss and fragmentation. SUGGESTED MITIGATION: We have recormttertded a variety of onsix and ofLsix mitigatirnt strategies that the petitioner could adopt to mitigate the impact the proposed King Mountain Sand & Gravel Mine moll] have on the existing wildlife, particulaziy Greater Sage-Grouse habitat Whilb there are a few onsix mitigation measures that may address some of the impacts to Greater Sage-Grouse caused by the proposed activity, CROW field staff feels that adequate mitgation will only be accomplished through the implementation of one or nrore offsiie mitigati~ strategies. We ate more than happy to work with the applicant to diseusa and develop a mitigation plmt for this Pmj~. POTEIJTTAL ONSITE MfTTGATION: The following staxgies mould be implemented as part of the overall six and operation plan for the proposed King Mountain Sand d: Gravel Mine. • Seasonal use restrictions can be implemented to ereax a temporal buffer. However, due to the importance of this location to Greater Sage-Grouse throughout the breed'vrg and production season, this is not a realistic option fns the applican; as it would restrict operation from March through November. • During the breeding season, a restriction on hours of operation could be implemented W protect nearby lek activity. A starting time of 9:00 a.m. could potentially miniarize noise disturbance and arty subaequeM impacts to nearby lek activity. Lek attendance typically occurs Marsh through May. • Where possible, maintaining acreage with mature sagebrush interspersed with quality grass and fort undcrstory could potentially reduce the degree of habitat lose resulting from the proposed project • Seeding un-mined areas with a native grass and fort mixture that bas high focb content could potentially benefit Greater Sage-Grouse by rncouraging continued use of the area by sage-grouse. • 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 by sago-grouse. • When possible, avoid fence construction. This could reduce potential collision mortality for sage-grouse. Reclamation recouunrndationa: • Develop sagebrush and herbaceous areas to enhance existing nesting areas • Seed reclaimed areas with native grass and fort mixture that has high fort contrnt to benefit Greater Sage- Grouse. Smooth brume should be avoide8 in plantings. if there are areas with a high density of smooth brume, these azeas should be treaxd to remove smooth brome and reseeded with more desirable grasses .and forts. • Develop springs in areas lacking water to brnefit Greater Sage-Grouse. • ltnecessary to control noxious and perennial weeds, apply herbicide during late summer/early fall to minimize impacts to fort production during those periods most critical for Greater Sage-Grouse. • Complex rechunatioa of one phase of mining prior to mining the next phase to reduce the amount of a direct habitat loss at any one limn.