GENERAL48692

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision & Findings of Compliance
• Permit Index Doc Type: General Correspondence
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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The spc~ies diversity standard proposed by Colowyo, based on the Shl~nnon-
Weiner diversity index, is acceptable. For purposes of bond release,
diversity on reclaimed areas will be cons~(dered acceptable if the herbaceous
component of the vegetation community contains at Least six principle
species which contribute a combined total of at least 44.So to the
diversity of the reclaimed area. The principle species will include at
least three perennial cool season grasses and three perennial forbs,
each contributing a minimum of 4~ to the post-mining diversity.
The original application did not contain a plan, as required by Rule 4.15.1(4),
for monitoring the success of revegetation. The Division request, and
Colowyo submitted a plan for periodically monitoring revegekated areas to
evaluate the effects of mulch rns. no mulch, the success of shrub plantings
and mature transplants, and the degree of natural reinvasion by sagebrush
and other native species which were not included in the seed mix.
The monitoring will consist of frequency measurements the first growing
season, and herbaceous and shrub cover measurements the second growing
season and every third year thereafter, unless monitoring indicates a
need for corrective action. Results of vegetative monitoring will be
submitted to the Division in an annual report.
Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(n) and on the basis of available information,
the Division finds that the proposed operation will not affect the
continued existence of any threatened or endangered species.
With the acceptance of the two stipulations, the operation is in compliance
with the requirements of this section.
XIl. Fish and Wildlife - Rules 2.04.11, 2.05.6(2), and 4.SB
The Fish and Wildlife Resources description is contained in Section 2.04.11
of Volume 1 of the application. The Fish and Wildlife portion of the
reclamation plan is presented on pages 2.05-66 through 2.05-71 of Volume 1.
Supplementary Wildlife information is contained in Exhibit 11, Volume 3
of the application.
Colowyo has worked closely with the Colorado Division of Wildlife in
developing their wildlife and range condition inventories, and a deer
and elk habitat mitigation plan. The entire permit area is designated
as winter range for both mdle deer and elk. Since 1976, Colowyo has
been engaged in a program of habitat improvement designed to offset
temporary habitat Loss by increasing browse availability, and thus
carrying capacity for big game. Approximately 75 acres of dense,overmature,
decadent shrub stands dominated by oakbrush, serviceberry, and chokecherry
are brushed each winter by a dozer 'to stimulate browse production and
provide access to deer and elk.