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
The mule deer spring/summer range is typically occupied from May through September. Spring aerial
counts varied from a high of 711 deer in 1995 to a low of 529 animals in 1996 in this habitat type.
Mule deer winter range and mule deer high use wintering areas, which are the two areas found in the
South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area, are generally occupied from December through April.
Aerial winter counts ranged from a low of 184 animals in 1994 to a high of 918 in 1997, with the majority
of observations occurring in the sagebrush and mountain shrub habitats.
Raptors
Based on a four-year period of observation, thirteen raptor species have been observed in the previously
approved and South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit areas (Monarch and Associates, 1998). In addition to
these opportunistic sightings, intensive survey of raptor nesting activity was carried out over several
periods between 1984 and 1997 (as reported in Monarch and Associates, Wildlife Baseline Studies 1998;
and Monarch and Associates, Raptor Nesting Activity Report, 1998). Based on these studies, a total of 6
nests have been identified within the previously approved permit area. Five hawk nesting sites and three
unknown nesting sites were identified in the South Taylor/Lower Wilson Permit Area (Table 2.04.11-14;
Map 15A).
Birds
A total of ninety-two species of birds occur within the general project area. However, the diversity and
density of these species within the various habitat types vary by season. Appendix A of the Wildlife
Baseline Studies for the Colowyo Coal Company L.P. Properties in the Danforth Hills (Monarch and
Associates, 1998) provides a list of these species, habitat, and number of birds/ kilometer.
Sage Grouse -Historically, sage grouse have occurred throughout northwestern Colorado. However, in
the late 1980's and early 90's sage grouse populations have declined throughout the range. But, by 1996
the numbers of sage grouse within the general project area began to increase. Although populations are
not as high as in the early 80's, the populations appear to be increasing. This increase may be related to
both favorable weather conditions during the brood rearing season and vegetative manipulations within
the general mine area.
Sage grouse have been observed within the general project area during all seasons of the year, within the
sagebrush, mountain shrub, and bottomland grassland habitat types. Studies conducted in more recent
years resulted in the identification of [he SG-1 and SG-2 leks located immediately adjacent to the South
Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area (Map 15A), though reports from these studies have also made
the case that these two proximate leks should be regarded as one (Monarch and Associates, 1998).
Fieldwork conducted in subsequent years has also documented the occurrence of sage grouse hens with
broods on ridges in the vicinity of SG-1 and SG-2 (Monarch and Associates, 2000). This would indicate
that nesting is occurring within these areas. During [he late summer broods have been observed in the
mountain shrub communities northwest of the Permit Revision Area, between Morgan Gulch and the
Wilson drainages. Although winter birds have been observed within the general area, it appears that
better wintering areas occur north of [he property in the Axial Basin.
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South Taylor/Lower Wilson -Rule 2, Page 85 Revision Date: 11/30/06
Revision No.: PR-02