PERMFILE124332

• Permit No: X199621900
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 6/11/1998
• Doc Name: Surface Use Agreement
• From: NORWEST MINES SERVICES INC
• To: DMG
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

FROM NORLIEST CfJ
OF COLORADO
,Romer, Governor
,PARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
iIVIS10N OF WILDLIFE
E]URL OPPORTU WT' Eh1PLOYER
Perry D. Olson, Director
6060 Broatlway
Denver, Coloratlo 80216
Telep-~one: [phone]
May 2, 1996
The whitewood Geological Group, inc.
ATTN: Rick Tift
P.O. SoX 881215
Steamboat Springs, CO 80488
RE: Review of Modification Uf N.O.T. # X-96-219-OU
Dear Mr. Tift;
REFER TO
Fos Wildlife -
For Peapfe
The following comments are in reyard to possible wildlife impacts
from proposed drilling activity outlined in N.O.I. # X-96-219-00.
As I understand the modification to the original permit will add a
number of new drill sites as well as encompass a longer .time frame.

In the area outlined in the Proposal Z am not aware of any critical
habitats for any state or federal threatened or endangered species.
Wildlife species of special interest or concern ir. this area would
include Sage and Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Elk. Some of the test
sites you have proposed are in or near areas of critical habitat
for those species.
All drill sites except PDH- 4,11,12,13, and 14 are located in areas
identified as elk winter range. The largest elk concentrations in
those areas can be expected to occur from mid-October thrcugh the
winter months. The expected effect of the proposed activity on elk
in these locations would be to cause a temporary shift of use and
shouldn't be a major concern. Scheduling of exploratory activities
in these areas from spring through fall would help minimize any
disturbance that may occur as a result of drilling.
site YDH-15 is within 1/4 mile of an active sharp-tailed grouse lek
(breeding complex) . Sites 17 and 2 are also areas of suspected
breeding activity for this specie. Birds occupy lek sites from late
March through May. Most nesting activity occurs in suitable

DEPARTMENT OF NA i i;RAL RESOURCES, JamzS S. LoMnead, Ece~:u0•+e Dlrectur
WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Tnomas M•. Eve, Cnalrnlan • Louls F. SwiN. Vice-Coal; man • Arnoia $alazer. SECretary
Josse Lanyslon 6oytl. Jr.. 1lember • Rebecca L. Frank, Member
William R. Hogberg, Member • Merk LeVallay, Member • JoFrn 0. Fuller Sr., Mzinbzr
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