2008-02-04_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A

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heron, and sandhill crane. sandhill cranes were noted relatively frequently foraging as pairs or small groups in cropland and low sagebrush communities throughout Twentymile Park. Results of the sandhill crane nesting survey are presented in a subsequent section. Sonebird Representative songbird species observed on the permit area were species primarily associated with sagebrush, cropland, and open grassland habitats. Species frequently observed included red-winged blackbird, Brewer's blackbird, black-billed magpie, western meadowlark, vesper sparrow, Brewer's sparrow, and green-tailed towhee. All other species observed or expected to occur on the permit area are listed along with habitat preferences on Table 40, Bird Species List for the Permit Area. Aquatic Oreanisms The following discussion is presented only for Fish Creek since this is the only stream that may be affected by mine development. The information presented is based on the findings of aquatic studies listed in "Methodology" section of this response. Fish Creek lies in the upper Colorado River Basis in northwestern Colorado and flows through the eastern edge of the Yampa Coal Field. Fish Creek originates in the Dunkley Flat Tops area and flows northeast into Trout Creek to the east of the permit area. Upper Fish Creek drainage is heavily vegetated with aspens and conifers, while lower portions, including its reach in the permit area, are more xeric and support sagebrush and grasses. Fish Creek is a relatively narrow (less than 3 m), low gradient (0.2%) stream throughout most of the permit area except near the eastern edge where it begins to widen. The stream is widely meandering but lacks woody riparian vegetation throughout most of its reach in the permit area. Undercut banks and deep pools are also generally lacking in the permit area. The principal aquatic, emergent macrophytes occunring along the edge of Fish Creek are Nebraska sedge (Carex nebraskensis) and spike-rush (Eleocharis macrostachya). Benthic invertebrates are organisms living on and in the substrate of streams. In streams like Fish Creek they are primarily the immature forms of aquatic insects. In the riffles net-spinning caddisflies (Hydropsyche and CheumatoQsyche) and chironomids are predominant. Common benthic invertebrates in pool habitat include chironomids, tubificid worms (Limnodrilus sp.), and the elmid beetle (Dubiraphia yuadrinotata). Fish species occurring in Fish Creek are characteristic of the lower portions of other streams in the area. Generally, shallowness and relative lack of cover and pools limits fish species diversity and abundance in permit area sections of Fish Creek. Common species present include white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), speckled dace (Rhynichth~ osculus ,red shiner (Notroois lutrensis), and roundtailed chub Gila robusta). Threatened and Endaneered Species The proposed permit area is not within designated critical habitat for any threatened or endangered animal species, and no federally-listed threatened or endangered species occur within the proposed permit boundaries (Exhibit 23, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Letter Regarding T&E Species, and October 2006 USFWS Threatened and Endangered Species System Listing for Routt County Colorado). Bald eagle or peregrine falcon may occasionally pass over this area during migration, but suitable habitat for these species is not present on the proposed permit area. The greater sandhill crane is listed as an endangered subspecies by the State of Colorado. The proposed permit area lies within the region designated as a nesting range by Torres et al. (1978). Major staging and roosting areas for the Colorado sub-population of greater sandhill cranes occur to the northwest of the permit area along the Yampa River and near the Hayden Station Powerplant. Cranes are commonly observed in Twentymile Park during spring PR06-07 2.04-70 11/27/06