Laserfiche WebLink
Coal Methane Drainage Pmjed - Panelr 76-24 West Elk Mine <br />3-79 <br />The analysis of habitat capability and habitat effectiveness is strictly a quantitative analysis. HABCAP <br />is a useful tool for project analysis to assist in detennirtittg differences in management alternatives. <br />The following summarizes the results of the I-IABCAP analysis fox the project alternatives. <br />- Habitat Capabilit /Habitat Effectiveness in Direct Effects Area <br /> Alt.1 AIt.2 AIt.3 AIt.4 AIt.5 <br />HabCap Effectiveness During Project 45% 33% 33% 33% 34% <br />HabCap Effectiveness Post- Project 45% 46% 48% 48% 48% <br />3.2.2 Optional Mitigation <br />In addition to the required conditions of approval listed in Section 2.4.5 of this EA, optional <br />mitigation measures could be applied to reduce or balance potential project-related impacts and <br />benefits for wildlife riparian values. These optional mitigation measures will be considered by the <br />Regional Forester, and either be included in, or omitted from, the Decision Notice at his discretation <br />1) To offset the effect of elk and deer displacement from the project area and improve elk <br />habitat effectiveness, MCC would obliterate and reclaim an additional 5.7 miles of existing <br />road/nail in the project azea. These roads/trails are identified on the Wildlife Mitigation <br />Map in the project file. If additional motorized routes are discovered in the project area, <br />MCC and the USFS would evaluate on-site and if the USFS decides it is desirable, MCC <br />would obliterate these routes also. MCC would obliterate and reclaim all routes in the Deep <br />Creek drainage within the project area, including approximately two miles of roads along its <br />eastern tributaries, <br />2) Ten miles of roads and trails in an area adjacent to the project area would be oblitetated and <br />reclaimed by MCC. Approximately 10 miles of road and trail would be obliterated and <br />reclaimed southwest of the project azea between Deer Creek and Poison Gulch. These roads <br />and trails are affecting habitat in the SA Wintet Range Management Area. These roads and <br />trails are shown on the HabCap/Habitat Effectiveness Map in the project file. The Deer <br />Creek Road, which is open to full-sized four-wheel drive vehicles would remain open in this <br />area. <br />3) MCC would restore portions of Deep Creek and Dry Fork Minnesota Cteek riparian <br />zones/stream reaches so that channel stability and stream flows are improved. Restoration <br />activities would be planned and designed by the USFS. <br />4) MCC will, where feasible, construct doll pads so that their perimeters are nonlinear, mosaic- <br />like instead of lineaz or circulaz. Site reclamation, where feasible, should provide for <br />landform diversity to benefit wildlife species habitat. Landform diversity is created with <br />topographic features, rock piles, shrub plantings etc. (see Landscape Design Guidelines for <br />Reclaimed Coal- Mined Land, available at the Paonia District office). <br />5) For all action alternatives, prescribe burn mature oak on south and southwest facing slopes <br />within the project area. Burn units would be designed so that a mosaic is created. Prescribed <br />burning would be carried out by the USFS. Close coordination with MCC project activities, <br />especially during reclamation is necessary. Areas considered at this time for prescribed <br />burning include Long Draw, West Bench, and Deep Creek Bench. <br />Environmental.9lrurment <br />~rvriv.....rra/r•A/uy~/a/ozer irn:i <br />//i/oa.n <br />