2008-02-19_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981047

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the U. S. Forest Seirvice. A potential wildlife species list and species status for the Blue Ribbon Mine area was obtained from the 1?cological Services section ofthe Division of Wildlife. The listcan be found in Appendix B of the permit application. A reconnaissance of the Blue Ribbon Mine permit area was conducted July 30 and 3 I, 1981. The purpose of the reconnaissance; was to inventory the wildlife habitats and some of the species present on the site. The on-site reconnaissance consisted of a general qualitative overview of the area. General observations of mammal, avian, amphibian and reptile species were recorded over the two-day period. The Blue Ribbon It/Iine is located within an area that is important for migrating and wintering mule deer and elk. There is a residlent deer population that uses the area year round. Other big game species in the area are the mountain lion, which is fairly common in rimrock areas, and the black bear, which can be found at higher elevations. Habitats around the Blue Ribbon Mine appear favorable for medium-sized and small mammals. Species observed include the cottontail rabbit, least chipmunk, Rock squirrel, Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Pocket gopher, beaver, anti muskrat. Other common medium-sized and small mammals in the area probably include the coyote, long-tailed weasel, raccoon, striped skunk, badger, porcupine, deer mouse, long-tailed vole, Western jumping mouse, various game birds and waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, and the leopard frog. The Blue Ribbon lvline is located within the migratory corridor of the Gray's Lake experimental group of Whooping Cranes; however, it has been reported that the cranes do not utilize this area ofColorado. The site is also located within the historical range of the Gray Wolf and Grizzly Bear, and historical nesting range ofthe Greater Sandhill Crane. No reporting of these species has been made in recent years. A Threatened & Endangered Species Inventory was submitted for Permit Renewal No. 5. At the request ofthe Division, the Office; of Surface Mining conducted a formal section 7 consultation based on the T&E inventory. In a letter to the L1.S. Fish & Wildlife Service dated September 25, 2007, the Office of Surface Mining concluded that the 131ue Ribbon Mine reclamation activities will not have an effect on the bald eagle, Canada lynx, Black-footed ferret, Uinta basin hookless cactus and the Clay-loving Wild Buckwheat. Also, the Yellow- billedcuckoo would not be jeopardized. However, it was determined that the reclamation activities may affect, and are likely to adversely affect, the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail, and the humpback chub due to the annual water depletion of 0.57 ac/ft. In a memo dated December 19, 2007, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service concluded that a depletion fee would not be required since the water depletion volume was small. Description of the Operations and Reclamation Plan -Rule 2.05.3 and 2.05.4 The Blue Ribbon Mine is an underground mine which began operating in 1977. Prior to that time, the old Blue Ribbon Mine operated from 1952 to 1963. The portals were sealed in 1985 and the majority of the surface reclamation was completed in the fall of 1986. There are two areas that are included in the Blue Ribbon Mine permit application: the area of the portals and office/shop facilities located in the Hubbard Creek drainage, and the truck scale facility along State Highway 133. However, the scale facility was removed from the permit area in 1989, as the State Highway Department acquired the land four the construction of an upgraded highway. The operator removed the facilities and graded the area prior to release.