2008-05-28_REVISION - C1981019 (2)

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Sagegrouse Mitigation In a preliminary findings document dated December 11, 1981, the Division requested additional information on sagegrouse use of the Colowyo permit area and a description of habitat mitigation measures. Colowyo submitted the following response, dated May 25, 1982, which satisfied the remaining concerns of the Division. Sagegrouse Miti ag tion Ongoing Mitigation Offsetting Current Loss of Sagegrouse Habitat Due to Mining. Prior to 1976 due to the prior landowners' grazing practices, the rangeland both within the permit area and surrounding areas was in an overgrazed condition. After 1976 the following changes in the management of the land, then owned by Colowyo, took place which indirectly increased the sagegrouse nesting and brood rearing capacity of the overall area. This increased carrying capacity of the sagegrouse habitat provides the mitigation for any displaced sagegrouse population during mining. L From 1976 until 1979 all livestock grazing was stopped in order to allow the range to rest and to return to a more productive state. The immediate benefit to sagegrouse was the increased production of herbaceous vegetation which, along with insects, is an important component to the sagegrouse brood population diet. A secondary benefit was the end of any nest trampling and end of disturbance and heavy grazing around watering areas due to livestock grazing. 2. During 1976 a fence was constructed around the Federal coal lease which eliminated all further livestock grazing in this area. Since 1976 to the present, sagegrouse have continued to benefit as described as #1 above. 3. All other areas outside of the lease fence (approximately 6,000 acres) have been grazed since 1979 at 60% of carrying capacity. This rate would allow for an increased sagegrouse brood population over that which the area supported in an overgrazed condition. 4. Since 1976, numerous areas of thick, decadent stands of the mountain shrub vegetation within and adjacent to the lease area have been cleared of brush as part of the big game mitigation program. As a result of the brushing, the production of succulent herbaceous vegetation has increased, offering more forage for the sage grouse brood population. The above changes in Management practices of the rangeland around the Colowyo mining area contribute to the increased capability of supporting any displaced sage grouse nesting and brooding population. No additional treatments to mitigate for a displaced sage grouse population are in effect, nor would other methods likely be as effective. 2.05-73