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<br />(j) Big Game Winter Range. Surface use (including monitoring activities), should be scheduled to <br />minimize adverse impacts on elk from December 1 to April 30. Unscheduled use may be allowed in <br />emergency situations with notice and coordination with the Forest Service. <br />(k) Topography. (1) The operator/lessee shall secure adequate baseline data to quantify the existing surface <br />resources on and adjacent to the lease area. Existing data may be used if such data is adequate for the <br />intended purposes. The study shall be adequate to locate, quantify, and demonstrate the inter-relationship <br />of the topography, geology, surface hydrology, vegetation and wildlife. Baseline data will be established so <br />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) Exploration, drilling and other development activity would not be allowed on NFS lands in the <br />LBA tract during the period from December 1 to April 30. In the event of an emergency, surface use <br />(including drilling) may be allowed with authorization from the Forest Service. <br />(4) No surface occupancy or use would be allowed on the LBA tract where slopes are greater than <br />60 percent. <br />(5) Surface occupancy or use would be controlled on lease tract slopes between 40 and 60 percent. <br />Before any such occupancy or use on lands with such slopes, a special interdisciplinary team (IDT) analysis <br />and mitigation plan detailing construction and mitigation techniques would be required. The IDT could <br />include specialists such as a soil scientist, hydrologist, landscape architect, reclarnation, and a mining <br />engineer. <br />(6) 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 />(7) No surface occupancy would be allowed in areas of high geologic hazard. <br />(1) Subsidence. (1) Except at locations specifically approved by the FS Responsible Official, mining that <br />would cause subsidence will not be allowed under Raven Creek or within a buffer zone defined by <br />projecting a 25 degree angle of draw (from vertical) from the surface expression of the creek down to the <br />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 revegetate, as necessary, to protect against <br />erosion; or provide other mitigation (which could include water replacement). <br />(m) Riparian Zones. No surface disturbances will be permitted within a 1/8 mile buffer zone <br />(660 ft.) on either side of the riparian zones of Raven Gulch (or a different buffer zone may be established <br />in accordance with the surface management agency guidelines). Any surface disturbance will require <br />approval of the USFS or BLM responsible official. The USFS will coordinate with the USFWS and <br />CDOW to determine the type and extent of allowable variances. A site-specific analysis will determine if <br />this stipulation applies.