2008-09-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (5)

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RULE 2 PERMITS habitat type also affected the diversity and numbers of rodents; and d(4) rodents were not drastically affected by cover removal of the habitat improvement areas. Lnomorphs When the pre-mining wildlife studies began in 1974, Lagomorph numbers were extremely low. The CDOW estimated jackrabbit densities at 4.0 animals/square mile and cottontail densities at about 10.0 animals/square mile in 1974. Observations from 1974-1979 showed a stead increase in numbers with a peak probably occurring in 1979. Cyclic population fluctuations of these two species is a common occurrence which makes it difficult to accurately estimate numbers. Relative abundance, presence, and probably habitat of Lagomorphs are set forth in Table 2.04.11-11, Wildlife Species that Occur or are Likely to Occur in the Colowyo Permit Area. Avifauna Species of birds that occur or are likely to occur in the permit area and the habitat where the species is likely to occur are listed in Table 2.04.11-11, Wildlife Species That Occur Or Are Likely To Occur In The Colowyo Permit Area. All species that were observed during field surveys are noted on the list. Raptors Surveys were conducted by VTN personnel during baseline data collection in 1974-1977, and again by Colowyo personnel during the spring and summer of 1980. The most common raptors observed on the permit area from 1974 to the present include Red-tail Hawks, Marsh Hawks, American Kestrels, Great Horned Owls, Golden Eagles, Prairie Falcons, and Turkey Vultures, all of which represent year-round residents with the exception of the turkey vulture. Other raptors that have been observed include the Swainson's Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Rough Legged Hawk, and Perigrine Falcon. Raptor nests located during field surveys are recorded on the Wildlife Observations Map (Map 15). Red- trailed hawks are known to have nested on the northern side of the Streeter Draw lease in 1975 and 1978. A pair of Red-tailed Hawks nested on a power pole in Taylor Creek in 1980. One Fledgling was observed. A pair of Cooper's Hawks has been observed at a possible nesting site during 1979 and 1980. The location of two Golden Eagle nesting complexes were obtained from the CDOW. The nests are located on sandstone cliffs adjacent to State Highway #13 as shown on the Wildlife Observations Map (Map 15). The area to be mined does not provide suitable nesting habitat for most of the species mentioned. Most of the preferable nesting habitat such as sandstone cliffs, rock outcropping, and trees are found to the north in Axial Basin, to the west along Taylor and Wilson Creeks, and to the east along Good Spring Creek. To date no raptor nests have been found in the area to be mined, although these areas and the reseeded areas provide excellent hunting areas for raptors. Raptor species that occur or are likely to occur in the permit area are listed in Table 2.04.11-11, Wildlife Species that Occur Or Are Likely To Occur In The Colowyo Permit Area. Upland Game Birds Observations of sage grouse have been common in the vicinity of the mine for the last several years; the area is used heavily for nesting and brood rearing from the nesting season through the fall months. No strutting grounds have been found on or near the area to be mined, but information contained in a July 23, 1980 letter rand map from the CDOW noted that the general area immediately north of the Colowyo Rule 2 Permits 2.04.11-7 Revision Date: 6/23/08 Revision No.: MR-91