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Exception. A lease may be issued if, after consultation with the state, the surface <br />management agency determines that all or certain stipulated methods of coal mining will <br />not have a significant long-term impact on the species being protected. <br />Analvsi_; <br />Within the vact there are no crucial winter ranges. That area below 6800 ft elevation along the <br />south side of the North Fork of the Gunnison River has been determined by the Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife to be winter range for elk and mule deer. Human and surface-disturbing <br />aMivitie:o in this area caused by underground coal mining would impact elk and mule deer winter <br />ranges. The review area is suitable for coal leasing only with inclusion of the following special <br />protective stipulations on those areas that may be designated as erucial winter range during the <br />life of the project: <br />1. Coal related facilities and surface disturbances except subsidence will be authorized in <br />the review area only if no practical alternatives exist. <br />2. T'he BLM and USFS will coordinate with the Colorado Division of ~Idlife to determine <br />the type and extent of allowable variances. <br />3. Coal exploration, facility construction, and major scheduled maintenance will not be <br />authorized within crucial winter ranges from December 1 through April 30. <br />4. All unavoidable surface disturbances within the crucial winter ranges during these times <br />Hrill require approval of the BLM and USFS's Authorized Officer. <br />No other federal lands within the review area, or off-site that would be effected by the proposed <br />action are; considered critical or essential habitat for resident species of fish, wildlife or plants of <br />high interest to the state of Colorado. <br />Criterion 16 <br />Federal lands in riverine, coastal, and special floodplains 1100-year recurrence interval) on which <br />the surface management agency determines that mining could not be undertaken without <br />substantial threat of loss of life or property shall be considered unsuitable for all or certain <br />stipulated methods of coal mining. <br />Analvsis <br />Approximately 16 acres (Map 21 of the proposed (ease tract are located within the 100-year <br />floodplain associated with the North Fork of the Gunnison River. These lands are unsuitable for <br />coal mining. Because the D/E coal seam is at the surface and the depth of the 8 coal seam is <br />250 feet below the surface on the northern boundary of the proposed lease area, the threat of <br />subsidence from coal extraction could disrupt the natural and beneficial functions of the <br />floodplain. The threat of subsidence also poses a threat to human safety and property. <br />Criterion 17 <br />Federal lands which have been committed by the surface management agency to use as <br />municipal watersheds shall be considered unsuitable. <br />Analvsis <br />None of the lands in the proposed lease tract are within a municipal watershed. <br />Criterion 1 B <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Appendix I, °age 9 <br />