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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />• Fourth, a review of data presented on Figures 2.04.10 - 9 and 10 indicate that Harner's 1984 data for the <br />ST-MSRA is substantially elevated over all other comparable mountain shrub data sets from the area, but <br />most importantly, the values aze 13% and 20% higher than the surrounding South Taylor Study Area <br />during the same year for cover and production, respectively. Some of this difference with data sets from <br />other years can be explained by an analysis of precipitation. However, the differences between the ST- <br />MSRA and the study area reduce the defensibility of this reference area as an appropriate comparator for <br />the South Taylor Project Area. <br />Fifrh, the C-MSRA is located on a ridgeline approximately two miles from the South Taylor Study Area <br />and only one mile from the Lower Wilson study area. This reference azea encompasses both the mesic <br />mountain shrub phase (Gambel oak dominated) and the xeric mountain shrub phase (snowberry and <br />serviceberry dominated). In addition, islands of dense sagebrush and snowbeny are can also be found in <br />a few small cteazings. This assemblage of community sub-types (phases) very adequately represents the <br />mountain shrub mosaic that is found in the Colowyo, Lower Wilson, South Taylor, and Collom Study <br />Areas. Perusal of Figure 2.04.10 - 9 indicates that this reference area is representative of several areas <br />with respect to cover in 2005. Between year comparisons of the South Taylor Study Area and the C- <br />MSRA indicate nearly identical herbaceous production values under similaz precipitation. <br />From a review of all data, it appears that the C-MSRA is comparable to the mountain shrub community in <br />the South Taylor Study Area as well even though collected data was from different years. It also appears <br />that the C-MSRA is equally if not more appropriate than the ST-MSRA for comparison purposes based <br />on total ground cover and herbaceous production. However, the C-SRA will be utilized for the South <br />Taylor Area as a "targeted reference area" for future evaluations of reclamation. <br />2.04.11(1-3) Fish and Wildlife Resources Information <br />• The previously-approved permit document presents information relative to the existing mining area and <br />surrounding areas including the Lower Wilson and South Taylor mining areas. These areas were <br />surveyed for the presence of lazge mammals (including elk and deer), small mammals (including vazious <br />rodents), lagomorphs (including rabbits), avifauna (including raptors, upland game birds, waterfowl, and <br />non-game birds), reptiles and amphibians, and aquatic life. Habitat for each survey group was also <br />evaluated. The results of the surveys are presented in the previously approved permit document. <br />The overall objective of this resource description is to utilize existing information pertaining to the South <br />Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area and the proposed disturbed area associated with the mining <br />areas to: <br />1) Quantitatively and qualitatively describe the wildlife resources; <br />2) Quantitatively and qualitatively describe special-interest wildlife species; and <br />3) Qualitatively describe the wildlife resource in the azea surrounding the South Taylor/Lower Wilson <br />permit revision azea and previously-approved permit area. <br />• <br />South Taylor/Lower Wilson -Rule 2, Page SI Revision Date: 3/30/07 <br />Revision No.: PR-02 <br />