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1. xce lion. A lease may be issued if, after consultation with the state, the surface management agency determines that all or certain stipulated methods of coal mining will • not have a significant long-term impact on the species being protected. Analvsis Within the tract there are no crucial big game winter ranges. That area below 6800 ft elevation along the south side of the North Fork of the Gunnison River has been determined by the Colorado Division of Wildlife to be winter range for elk and mule deer. Human and surface- disturbing activities in this area caused by underground coal mining would impact elk and mule deer winter ranges. The review area is suitable for coal leasing only with inclusion of the following special protective stipulations on those areas that may be designated as crucial winter range during the life of the project: 1 . Coal related facilities and surface disturbances will be authorized in the review area only if no feasible alternatives exist. 2. The BLM and USFS will coordinate with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to determine the type and extent of allowable variances. 3. Coal exploration, facility construction, and major scheduled maintenance will not be authorized within crucial winter ranges from December 1 through April 30. 4. All unavoidable surface disturbances within the ranges will require approval of the BLM and USFS's Authorized Officer. No other federal lands within the review area, or off-site that would be effected by the proposed action are considered critical or essential habitat for resident species of fish, wildlife or plants of • high interest to the state of Colorado. Criterion 7 6 Federal lands in riverine, coastal, and special floodplains (100-year recurrence interval) on which the surface management agency determines that mining could not be undertaken without substantial threat of loss of life or property shall be considered unsuitable for all or certain stipulated methods of coal mining. Analvsis Approximately 16 acres (Map 31 of the Oroposed lease tract are located within the 100-year floodplain associated with the North Fork of the Gunnison River. These lands are unsuitable for coal mining. Because the D/E coal seam is a[ the surface and the depth of the B coal seam is 250 feet below the surface on the northern boundary of the proposed lease area, the threat of subsidence from coal extraction could disrupt ;he natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain. The threat of subsidence also poses a threat to human safety and property. C:itenon ' i Federal lands which have been commined by the surface management agency to use as municipal watersheds shall be considered unsuitable. Analvsis ~Vone of the lands in the proposes lease tract are within a municipal watershed. _ C Appendix I, ?age 9