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~~ The midget faded rattlesnake (SC) is a probable resident ofthe habitat to be effected. The longnose leopard lizard (SC) also occurs in the area, and was noted in the 2006 ecological inventory. The pond located in the vicinity of the proposed train loadout is believed to provide important habitat for the Great Basin spadefoot toad. The 2006 survey ' map also indicates there are jurisdictional wetlands adjacent to one portion ofthe proposed rail line. Wetlands should be protected and avoided. ' Impacts to wildlife may include direct mortality, habitat destruction, decreases in the ability of wildlife to utilize important habitats (habitat effectiveness) due to increased disturbance, and habitat fragmentation resulting from the inability of certain species to negotiate obstacles such as the proposed conveyor system. Another issue of significant concern is the potential for the railroad line to fragment habitat. Fencing of the railway would have severe negative consequences for pronghorn antelope. As an alternative we recommend slow train speeds aze encouraged in order to reduce the potential for collisions with wildlife or livestock. , We anticipate that impacts to wintering populations of deer and elk from new disturbance could be significant. The route between the Unit Train Loadout and the Mine Entries bisects an important winter range for both deer and elk. In addition, the proposed Coal Mine Waste Disposal Area (gob pile) is sited on a sagebrush bench that has moderate to , heavy use by wintering elk and moderate use by wintering mule deer. Desert sagebrush habitats are critically important to wildlife and once disturbed cannot be replaced in the neaz term. We recommend minimizing disturbance in the sagebrush and pinon juniper habitats to preserve their value as big game winter ranges. Location of facilities and soil , borrow pits should be carefully considered to avoid the two locally important habitat types: sagebrush and pinon- juniper. Topsoil is limited in the area and may need to be imported in order to achieve successful reclamation of the gob pile slopes. Water is an important habitat component for wildlife in azid regions. The current proposal for construction ofthe new mine and transportation facilities would alter existing drainage patterns, causing changes in the amount and distribution of water that wildlife is dependent upon. Additionally, the railway's activity would likely cause displacement and could ' have a wildlife avoidance fringe effect. This could move wildlife away from water sources they cun•ently use. We suggest you to consider these impacts, and consult with CDOW with regard to creation ofadditional watering locations for wildlife mitigation. Additionally, for water quality protection and reducing the effects of increasing soil salinity during runoff events, we suggest the project proponent consider lining the gob pile. The CDOW recognizes that with a project ofthis scope, a certain level of impact on wildlife is inevitable. In instances , where on site mitigation is not feasible, impacts could be offset by implementing improvements on properly recently purchased by the mine along the rail spur. These improvements could include pasture enhancements, water developments, creation of wetlands or other wildlife habitat improvements. These lands may also provide recreation opportunities for the public if managed properly. CDOW would welcome opportunities to work with project proponents to develop on site and offsite mitigation projects that would be mutually beneficial to the operator as well as wildlife. Furthermore, CDOW recommends a yeazly monitoring program to include field surveys and an annual report to assess changes to habitat and species. CDOW would appreciate collaboration with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and the Bureau ofLand Management (BLM) on aweed management/reclamarionptan for the Red Cliff Mine. Finally, we recommend utilization of the Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) database which contains information on species occurrence and habitat. The NDIS data can be accessed through the Wildlife Species link on the DOW website (wildlife state.co.usl. In addition, field surveys would be necessary to evaluate the distribution and ' abundance of important wildlife species and their habitats. Information about raptor nest locations is available through NDIS, the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the BLM.