2008-02-04_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A

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• Three other major areas of concern have been identified by the regulatory and wildlife agencies: (I) location of mine facilities in relation to big game critical winter range and the potential for increased occurrence of big game road-kills, (2) [he effect of mine development and operation on sage grouse strutting grounds, and (3) the effect of mine development and operation on sandhill crane nesting activity in Twentymile park. Map 19, Elk Biological Features, and Map 20, Mule Deer Biological Features, show the location of the Fish Creek Borehole/Shaft Area and associated access road in relation [o elk and mule deer winter concentration areas and critical winter range. As shown on these maps, no new surface disturbance will occur in elk or mule deer critical winter range. There is, however, a potential for occurrence of elk and mule deer/vehicle or haul truck collisions, especially in areas where the access or haul road are in proximity to winter concentration areas or critical winter range. The potential for elk and mule deer/vehicle collision is discussed in detail above. Possible mi[igatirnt measures to reduce this potential are presented in the response to Rule 2.05.6(2). The locations of proposed surface facilities in relation [o sage grouse strutting grounds and important sage grouse habitat arc shown on Map 22, Locations of Sage Grouse Leks and Sagebrush Habitat. As discussed above, the only disturbance to sagebrush habitat will occur from widening and upgrading the existing roads, and from the construction of a new road which will connect existing roads to be upgraded, over sagebrushimeadow habitat a[ Fish Creek. A total of only 6.8 acres of low sagebrush, 0.4 acres of sagebrush/meadow and 0.6 acres of mountain sagebrush will be disturbed, and the effect on sage grouse populations will be negligible. As discussed previously, no sage grouse critical winter habitat occurs on the permit area. The Hudspeth Complex is not likely to be affected by mine development activities. The closest portions of the access road are at least I mi (I.6 km) away from [he Hudspeth Complex and are out of direct line of sight from the complex by virtue of [he surrounding topography. The Twentymile Lek is located somewhat closer to [he proposed access road and Fish Creek Borehole/Shaft Area. ft is separated f}om the access road by over 0.5 mil (0.8 km) and from [he Fish Creek Borehole/Shaft Area by approximately 0.75 mi (1.2 km). The access road and most of [he Fish Creek Borehole/Shaft area are, however, shielded by topography from direct line of sight of the Twentymile Lek by topography. Early morning shift traffic (7:00 am) on the access road will not coincide with the timing of peak breeding ac[ivih• of sage grouse (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunrise; Rodgers 1964, Gill 1965, Jenni and Harzler 1978). In addition, the Fish Creek Borehole/Shaft Area will only be a ventilation shaft with limited employee activity once construction is complete. Therefore, mine activities are no[ expected ro affect grouse breeding activity at the Twentymile Lek. Possible mitigative measures [o further limit the potential for disturbance of grouse leks are listed in the response to Rule 2.05.6(2). Map 21, Locations of sandhill Crane Nests and Nesting Habi[a[ and Raptor Cliff-nesting Habitat, shows [he locations of sandhill crane nest sites and potential crane nesting habitat in relation to the proposed surface facilities. sandhill cranes are sensitive to human disturbance, particularly during the nesting and incubation period (May through June 30). Enriquez (1979) considered lack of human disturbance a key limiting factor in sandhill crane use of suitable nesting habitat. However, cranes foraging in Twentymile Park appear to adapt to human activity rather rapidly (Grant 1983). Blake (1974) recommended that permanent major developments and roads should be at leas[ 0.25 and 0.125 mi (0.4 and 0.2 km), respectively from crane nesting areas. To insure that nest sites will continue to be suitable for use by nesting cranes, any major developments are planned to be located at leas[ 0.25 mi (0.4 km) away from nest sites. In addition, all access roads are planned to be located at least 0.125 miles (0? Km) from potentially suitable nesting habitat. Possible methods to limit disturbance to sandhill crane nesting habitat are listed in the response to Rule 2.05.6(2). MR 97-154 2.04-79 Revised 10/02/97