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2.7 FISH AND WILDLIFE <br />2.7.1 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS <br />During the period of July 1979 through July 1980 the terrestrial wildlife and aquatic <br />biology of the Edna Mine area were sampled both quantitatively and qualitatively. A series of <br />studies were initiated that not only identified species presence and habitat utilization by season, <br />but the utilization of reclaimed and unreclaimed lands by terrestrial species as well. <br />The list of species in Colorado that are threatened, endangered or species of special <br />concern at the state and/or federal levels was updated pursuant with Permit Renewal No. 5 dated <br />November 2006. As the mine is in permanent cessation no impact to the species in Colorado that <br />are threatened, endangered or species of special concern at the state and/or federal levels or <br />habitat is expected. <br />2.7.1.1 Terrestrial Wildlife <br />During the studies no unique species or unique habitats were identified within the permit <br />boundaries. The one area that approaches uniqueness is the large aspen stand along Center <br />Ridge (Exhibit 2.7-1). This area is an elk calving ground for 75+ cows. However, all mining has <br />been completed adjacent to this azea and reclamation is well under way. No impacts on these elk <br />will occur during the remaining mining activities. <br />Both elk and deer use the areas scheduled for mining. However, use is low (especially by <br />elk) during most of the year. Use of the two areas and land immediately adjacent to the property <br />was minimal to non-existent by these two species during the winter months. Some loss of <br />fawning azeas will occur during and immediately following mining. However, because of the <br />low deer numbers and available suitable habitat adjacent to the azeas to be mined it is anticipated <br />that impacts will be minimal. <br />Portions of the permit azea (the Moffat area in particular) are used by Columbian sharp- <br />tailed grouse, blue grouse and sage grouse to varying degrees during the year. All three species <br />nest and raise broods in the Moffat area. Total numbers of hens using the area for nesting and <br />2.7-1 Revised 11/06 <br />