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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />The most important factor for brooding habitat is the availability of the appropriate foods for the <br />chicks. Also, during the later summer months of brood rearing, the availability of water becomes <br />important. <br />Within the pre-mine vegetative community, the nesting cover component is assumed to be <br />sagebrush as well as other elements of the mountain shrub community. <br />Within the post-mining vegetative community, seeded shrubs, transplanted seedlings and <br />transplanted mature shrubs (including a limited number of sagebrush for a natural seed source) will <br />supply the necessary requirements for nesting cover. No specific seeding of sagebrush will occur as <br />natural reinvasion of sagebrush will occur from surrounding areas, replaced topsoil and transplanted <br />mature sagebrush plants. <br />Within the literature no specific location of nests seem to be indicated other than a preference for <br />less dense and shorter shrubs which seem to indicate a need for quick escape should the hen be flushed <br />unexpectedly. The density and structures of the shrub component within the post-mine community should <br />provide the diversity of cover and density suited to sagegrouse nesting. <br />Within the pre-mine vegetative community, insects and succulent vegetation provide the majority <br />of the food for the developing chicks. As these food sources mature and dry, the grouse will move to <br />areas still supporting succulent vegetation. These sites include springs, seeps, drainage bottoms and water <br />impoundments. During the late summer and fall months, the important food plants dry up on the upland <br />slopes and the grouse will tend to remain closer to available watering areas where some succulent <br />vegetation is. still available. Many of the grouse are then observed in the alfalfa and irrigated <br />meadowlands on areas around the mining area. <br />Within the post-mine vegetative community, the food component for brood rearing will be <br />provided by insects and succulent vegetation on reclaimed areas early in chick development. Later into <br />the summer months, as food sources dry up on the upland slopes, food will be available near water <br />impoundments and drainage bottoms being returned to the post-mining topography. The literature <br />indicates no optimum distance between nesting sites and food sources. Evidently, the location of nesting <br />sites are independent of food sources, rather, the nesting locations are based on available cover, and the <br />grouse movements are tied to the availability of succulent vegetation. <br />Additional Mitigation Measures <br />The pre-planning for a minimum amount of annual disturbance, the establishment of herbaceous species, <br />the replacement of native shrub species, and habitat improvement techniques are the most important areas <br />for minimizing impacts to wildlife, several other protection measures are in effect. <br />Electric power lines located in the permit area will be constructed in accordance with the requirements of <br />Section 4.18 to minimize potential electrical hazards to large raptors. <br />Vehicle use within the permit area is limited to the active mining area and the various support facilities. <br />Off-road vehicle use is kept to a minimum and is usually only authorized for surveying, environmental <br />data collection and monitoring, security, etc. Travel by foot, which causes much more disturbance to <br />wildlife than vehicle traffic, is highly unlikely outside active mining areas. <br />Hunting with firearms inside Colowyo's permit boundary is allowed and is strictly managed by Colowyo. <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-40 Revision Date: 6/23/08 <br />Revision No.: MR-91