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4 <br />a) Conduct surveys for nesting raptors on the lease tract prior to development of any <br />surface facilities. No surface activities will be allowed within 1/2 mile radius of active nest sites between <br />the dates of February 1 and August 15, unless authorized by BLM or USFS on a site specific basis. <br />(e)(2) Big Game Winter Range. If areas are determined by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) to <br />be mule deer and elk crucial winter range, the following stipulation shall be applied: <br />a) Coal related facilities and surface disturbance, except subsidence, will be authorized in <br />the review area only if no practical alternatives exist. The BLM and USFS will coordinate with the CDOW <br />to determine the type and extent of allowable variances. Coal exploration, facility construction, and major <br />scheduled maintenance will not be authorized within crucial winter ranges from December 1 through <br />April 30. All unavoidable surface disturbances within the crucial winter ranges during these times will <br />require approval of the BLM and USFS authorized officer. <br />(f) Riparian Zones. Riparian zones are present within the review area and are suitable for coal leasing only <br />with inclusion of the following special stipulations to protect resident and migratory bird species: <br />a) A 1/8 mile buffer zone (660 ft.) will be protected on either side of Raven Gulch (or a <br />buffer zone may be established in accordance with the surface management agency guidelines). No surface <br />disturbances, except surface subsidence, will be permitted within these buffer zones unless no practical <br />alternatives exist. All unavoidable surface disturbances will require approval of the USFS or BLM <br />authorized officer. The BLM or USFS will coordinate with the USFWS and CDOW to determine the type <br />and extent of allowable variances. A site specific analysis will determine if this stipulation will apply. <br />• (g) Subsidence. (1) Except at specifically approved locations, mining that would cause subsidence will not <br />be allowed under Raven Creek or within a buffer zone defined by projecting a 25 degree angle of draw <br />(from vertical) from the surface expression of the creek down to the top of the coal seam to be mined. <br />(2) If subsidence activates a landslide, which adversely affects surface resources, or a documented <br />water loss, the operator/lessee shall (where applicable): restore stream channels and surface drainage or <br />protect stream flow with earthwork or temporary culverts; or re-vegetate, as necessary, to protect against <br />erosion; or provide other mitigation (which could include water replacement). <br />(h) Topography. (1) The operator/lessee shall secure adequate baseline data to quantify the existing <br />surface resources on and adjacent to the lease area. Existing data may be used if such data is adequate for <br />the intended purposes. The study shall be adequate to locate, quantify, and demonstrate the inter- <br />relationship of the topography, geology, surface hydrology, vegetation and wildlife. Baseline data will be <br />established so that future programs of observation can be incorporated at regular intervals for comparison. <br />(2) The operator/lessee shall establish a monitoring system to quantify the progressive and final <br />effects of underground mining activities on the topographic surface, underground and surface hydrology, <br />and vegetation. The monitoring system shall utilize techniques that will provide a continuing record of <br />change over time. The monitoring shall incorporate and be an extension of the baseline data. <br />(3) No surface occupancy or use would be allowed on LBA tract lands defined as wetlands by the <br />U.S. Army Corp of Engineers regulations and guidelines. <br />Stipulations Applicable To the U.S. Forest Service Lands: <br />0 (i) Standard Stipulation for the Department of Agriculture Lands. Attached to and made a part of the <br />coal lease.