2009-07-06_REVISION - M1977036 (42)

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in the vicinity of the Lafarge Brown property. PMJM trapping on the Cache La Poudre River (approximately 10 miles upstream and approximately 8 miles downstream of the Lafarge Brown property) have resulted in negative findings of the species. The Lafarge Brown property has not been evaluated in the past. The closest PMJM trapping or evaluation occurred just west of Section 34; these trapping results were negative. The closest positive trapping result occurred approximately 8 miles south of the Lafarge Brown property, along the South Platte River (CNHP 2007). During the February 5, 2009 survey, B&A biologists assessed the Lafarge Brown property to determine if suitable PMJM habitat was present. The riparian corridor adjacent to the Lafarge Brown property or the property itself did not contain suitable PMJM habitat (see Appendix H.2 for PMJM survey field data compilation forms). The Cache La Poudre River in this area is deeply entrenched, heavily rip-rapped and sparsely vegetated. Habitat disturbances in this area have also been caused by farming and heavy grazing practices. The shrub component that could provide cover and hibernacula for PMJM is very sparse along the river in these areas. Due to channelization, and past and current grazing management, the riparian zone is narrow and is dominated by upland grasses and a narrow band of cottonwood trees. As such, there is a low potential for the species to occur on the Lafarge Brown property. The northern river otter (Lutra canadensis) is a State threatened species that inhabits riparian habitats in a variety of ecosystems ranging from semi-desert shrublands to montane and subalpine forests. The species requires permanent water of relatively high quality with an abundant food base of fish or crustaceans. The CNHP shows no accounts of the species in the Project Area. However, tracks and other sign of otters have been found in the Cache La Poudre and Laramie drainages in Larimer County, upstream of the Project Area. There is a low potential for the species to occur in the Cache La Poudre River adjacent to the Lafarge Brown property. The cylindrical papershell (Anodontoides ferussacianus) is a mollusk of State Special Concern. This species prefers shallow water near shore in silt. It is thought to inhabit small streams, creeks, and lakes in sand or fine gravel, but also is tolerant of impoundment (NatureServe 2009). In Colorado, this species reaches the edge of its western range and has declined to just a couple sites in the South Platte River drainage (NatureServe 2009). The CNHP's Biodiversity Tracking and Conservation System identified several occurrence records. One account of the species occurred in 1906 approximately 2-miles west of the property. Several accounts are located in the surrounding area, including within Section 34, but have no dates associated with them. There is a moderate potential for the species to occur in the Cache La Poudre River adjacent to the Lafarge Brown property. General Effect on Wildlife Due to Mining Operations Although the exact Plan of Operations including mitigation measures to protect wildlife species have not be finalized at this time, it is not likely that the proposed project would adversely affect wildlife species. Direct and indirect impacts to wildlife would likely depend on several factors: 1) sensitivity of the species to human activity; 2) seasonal and daily timing of construction and development activities; and 3) availability of similar habitats outside of the project area. The majority of habitat on the Lafarge Brown property has been degraded by previous grazing Greeley 35'h Avenue Mine (M-1977-036) DRMS 112 Reclamation Permit Amendment Application Page H6 of H9