GENERAL42877 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Coal Methane Drainage Project - Panek 76-24 lY/erJ E!k Mine • Page 3-23 3.2.3.3 Alternative 3, Minnesota CreekMorse Gulch Access Displacement of elk and deer would be slightly less than Alternatives 2 and 4 since the.Sylvestet Gulch access route would not be built and less total area would be disturbed. Elk habitat effectiveness decreases from the existing 45 percent to 33 percent and then returns to 48 percent following reclamation. There would be some change in distribution of elk and deer in the project area from the existing condition. The Minnesota Creek Road has seen an increase in MCC traffic over the last two years as well as an increase in ATV traffic in Sylvester Gulch associated with mine activities. Under this alternative, MCC traffic and duration of use will increase on the Minnesota Creek/Dry Fork corridor, which may cause elk and deer to move further from this road prism, Displacement of elk and deer would be less than Altemadve 2. Under this alternative, Sylvester Gulch would remain an ATV trail and use may increase from mining activities, but it is expected that the drainage would still provide some degree of security. Use of the Minnesota Creek/Dry Fork road as the primary access has the most potential o£ compromising potentially southwestern willow flycatcher nesting habitat. Sediment and dust control measures on this section of road would reduce these effects. Overall impacts to wildlife habitat would be less than Alternatives 2 and 4 since the Sylvester Gulch access route would not be built. Impacts to riparian habitat are greater in this alternative than Alternative 5 since project activities in Box Canyon, Sylvester Gulch, and the East Fork of Sylvester Gulch would occur under this alternative. Increased traffic on Minnesota Creek/Dry Fork Road and Gunnison County Road 710 would result in increased potential for wildlife road-kill along this route. 3.2.3.4 Alternative 4, Sylvester Gulch Short-Term Access The effects of this alternative would be similaz to the previously described effects for Alternative 2 except that displacement of elk, deer, and other wildlife speues from the Sylvester Gulch and Long Draw Saddle areas would be temporary since the roads would be reclaimed at the end of the project and early reclamation of these road corridors would return elk habitat eEfecdveness to approximately 48 percent. Also, the duration of effects on riparian habitat would be similarly reduced through reclamation and restoration of riparian or associated habitat values. 3.2.3.5 Alternative 5, Modily Plan to Comply With Lease Stipulations Without Exception Alternative 5 would cause the least displacement of elk and deer and would have the least impact to hairy woodpeckers. Elk habitat effectiveness decreases from the existing 45 percent to 34 percent and would then return to approximately 48 percent following reclamation. Roads would cross riparian areas, but would not be constmcted parallel to the stream course within the WIZ. This alternative would have a lower potential for tree/snag removal in the project area. This alternative would have the least impact on breeding birds, tiger salamanders, and northern leopard frogs. Project duration and associated effects would be reduced by approximately 2 years. 3.2.3.6 Public OHV Use Option Under the Public OHV Option, continued long-term ATV access on the reclaimed West Flatiron, l~/est Bench, and East Bench (rails would result in continuing effects on wildlife of motorized vehicle use in these areas. Tofal trail length open to ATV access would be approximately 6.2 miles. 3.2.4 Cumulative Effects Road construction and road use in the analysis area assotiated with past, present and future coal mining activities, livestock management, special uses and recreational use have contributed to landscape changes and consequently wildlife use of the area. In a study conducted by Reed et al. Environmextal A.uerrment m~mnJ.v...~(rolen/mriJ/./oze, un•r J/J/0}vy