2009-08-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 8/13/2009
• Section_Exhibit Name: Rule 2 Permits -ST
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

RULE 2 PERMITS
Using these data sources, wildlife habitat types and special-interest wildlife habitats within the area have
been identified and mapped. Special-interest habitats include critical habitats for threatened or
endangered species, unique habitats (e.g., number or density of springs, seeps, cliffs, and snags), and
seasonally important habitats (e.g., raptor nest sites and big game year-round range and parturition areas).
Identification of special-interest habitat types was based on observed animal distributions during given
time periods, indirect evidence of relative use (e.g., browse utilization, [racks, and pellets), quantitative
and qualitative surveys, and scientific literature. The distribution of all special-interest habitats identified
in the area aze delineated on maps 13A, 14A, and 15A. Information specific to the South Taylor/Lower
Wilson permit azea was obtained from previous surveys conducted by others and conversations with
representatives from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW).
General Observations
The previous studies indicate that several wildlife groups of importance occur in the general project area,
including big game, small mammals, raptors, upland game birds, and songbirds. These species use all or
portions of eight habitat types that occur within the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area, as
described below.
• Mountain shrub
• Sagebrush
• Aspen woodland
• Juniper Scrub
• Riparian woodland - Bottomland/ Erosional Feature
• Cropland
• Grassland
• Wetland
These habitats are similar to those outside of [he South Taylor/L,ower Wilson disturbed areas except for
the reclaimed habitats of the previously-approved mining area.
Big Game
Elk -Elk within the general project area are part of the White River herd as defined by the CDOW, which
was estimated to include a total herd population of 28,620 animals in 1996, and represents the largest elk
herd in Colorado (CDOW 1997). Within the White River herd the CDOW estimated an average
cow:calf:bull ratio of 100:47.7:13.1 during the surveys completed from 1994 to 1995, this is somewhat
lower than the 100:52.3:25.8 ratio average identified during the survey completed by Monarch &
Associates (Monarch and Associates, 1998).

Sou[h Taylor/Lgwer Wilson -Rule 2, Page 83 Revision Date: 11/30/06
Revision No.: PR-02