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*~ , ;.. 2 The effects of simultaneous mine operations in '?cClane canyon and 'iunger Canyon on wintering deer or other wildlife cannot be accurately predicted. Procedures outlined in the Protective- - Measures, Resource 'tonitoring and Reclamation sections of both application wildlife plans,. reflect basically sound principles and goals. We believe that close coordination with the Division of Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management and the Fish and Wildlife Service will aid in implementation of adequate wildlife programs and will help minimize chances for unexpected conflicts•.. Soecifl- ca11y, we would like to recommend: That contingency options for habitat mitigation or en= -- '----- hancement be developed in cooperation with the DOW and- -- BLM in the even! that wildlife impacts result or are greater than anticipated. 2. That Impact monitoring efforts be coordinated through nOW to insure comparability with existing procedures. 3. That future rantor surveys be reviewed for adequacy by DOW and FWS. ~,le would be willing to assist in develop- ment of a rantor survey program. ~• We would like to make one final observation. In reviewing the 'lunger Lanyon and '?cClane Canyon mine plans, we have noted very little discussion of their plans for coal transportation. It appears that Sheridan Enterprises consideration for wildllfe impacts ends at the mine permit boundary. tJe are. indeed, very concerned about coal haulage impacts to wildlife. He are nartlcular- ly troubled by Sheridan Enterprises' failure to clarify their Intentions in regard to a rail transport system (s?e attached June 18, 1981 memo to BLM). The fact that they are even considering this option could be extracted from only one casual statement in the wildlife portion of the "icClane Canyon permit application. lJhile we believe that a rail system may, in the long run, be a desirable means of coal transportation, construction of a rail corridor opens many more questions about impacts to wildlife. Important riparian areas that are occupied by high federal interest birds may be potentially threatened. - If you have any questions on these comments, please feel free to give me a call. SincLer~ly, r U Ronel Finley cc: Bill Clark, D047, brand Junction, CO Doug "kYPan, 5L?1, rrand Junction, CO Tom Lytle, DO:J, ,rand Junction, Cfl