PERMFILE126408

• Permit No: C1981022
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 6/9/2006
• Doc Name: Elk Creek Mine Block Clearance Project dated 8/2005
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 2.04-E7 Part 6
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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INTRODUCTION
Oxbow Mining, LLC is planning on continued surface disturbance activities that are
necessary as part of their underground mining operations. This includes exploration
drilling, Gob Vent Boreholes and access roads to these sites. In the past the process has
been to conduct surveys on an annual as needed basis. This has been time consuming
and at times probably not necessary.
In an effort to minimize surveys, in 2005 Oxbow contracted with Monarch & Associates
to have a large scale survey conducted. The azea surveyed is shown on Figure 1. The
purpose of these surveys was to delineate vegetation/habitat types and conduct surveys
for wildlife and plants listed as Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species (TESS)
and Management Indicator Species (MIS) as well as other species within those types. By
doing so, lazge expanses of certain vegeta$on types or areas could be ruled out as azeas
that would be used by listed species or in which listed species may be found. This will
help Oxbow and the agencies in long range planning for the area.
There have been both office and field reviews of this proposed project for Threatened,
Endangered, Sensitive and Management Indicator Species that aze known to, or may
potentially be found in the azea affected by this project. Wildlife and habitat surveys were
conducted for the project during the late spring of 2005. In addition to studies for this
specific site, habitat and wildlife studies have been conducted throughout the general azea
since 2002. This background data has been used to better evaluate the importance of this
azea for wildlife when compazed with other similaz habitat in the North Fork Valley. The
tables included with this report show federally listed Threatened or Endangered, USFS
and BLM Sensitive Species (TESS) and USFS Management Indicator Species (MIS) that
may potentially be found in the area affected by this project or aze Listed by the GMUG as
occurring on forest lands.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the habitat and wildlife surveys conducted in May and June of 2005 no federally
listed Threatened or Endangered Species were observed in the project area..There is no
suitable habitat for Canada lynx, boreal toad or Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly. There
is no nesting or winter roost habitat for bald eagles within the project azea. Habitat is
lacking for the two listed plant species, Clay-loving buckwheat and Uinta Basin Hookless
Cactus. Habitat is lacking for the two listed candidate species, Gunnison sage grouse and
yellow-billed cuckoo.
Water withdrawal may affect species offish listed as endangered. However, the FWS in
two Biological Opinions has addressed this issue. Those opinions found that under
provisions of the Endangered Species Act, Oxbow Mining, LLC would not be in
violation if they limited water removal to the number of acre feet established by the FWS.
All Threatened and Endangered Species are addressed in the Biological Assessment that
is part of this report.
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