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STATE OF COLORPADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone: (303) 8663567 FAX: (303) 832-8106 February 15, 2007 Mr. James F. Fulton Chief, Denver Field Division Office of Surface Mining 1999 Broadway, Suite 3320 Denver, CO 80202-5733 RE: Nomination for 2007 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Awazd Peabody Energy Companies -Northwest Colorado Dear Mr. Fulton: COLORADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING - &- SAF ETY Bill Owens Governor Russell George Executive Director Ronald W. Cattany Division Director Natural Resource Tmstee The Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety (Division) is pleased to forward the attached nomination for the 2007 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award for Peabody Energy Corporation (Peabody) in Routt County Colorado. Peabody has conducted reclamation at five mines in this area creating high quality rangelands and increased wildlife habitat diversity. Many wildlife species benefit from the reclamation including: elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, raptors and upland game birds. This nomination focuses on the enhancement of the Columbian sharp-tail grouse (CSTG) habitat. CSTG were considered a candidate species for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service threatened and endangered species list. Through habitat enhancements, most notably mined land reclamation, populations in northwest Colorado are thriving, and the species has not been listed. Reclaimed mine lands account for only 1% of the occupied range of the CSTG in northwest Colorado, but the reclaimed lands support about 36% of the known leks, or breeding grounds. As of 2006, 26 known leks have been established on Peabody Energy reclaimed mine lands. Reclamation practices implemented by Peabody to enhance the CSTG habitat include planting a diverse seed mix of native grass, forb and shrub species, transplanting native shrub islands and creating `edge' effect where stands of native shrub and trees are left intact within the reclaimed lands. Grating management limits domestic grazing to periods that have the least impact on the CSTG. The Division endorses this nomination. Peabody has done an excellent job of reestablishing wildlife habitat and enhancing Columbine sharp-tail grouse habitat in northwest Colorado. CSTG are thriving in this area in large part due to successful reclamation and revegetation efforts. Since/rely, vid Berry Acting Director, Office of Mined Land Reclamation Attachments Office of Office of Mined Land Reclamation Active and Inactive Mines