Laserfiche WebLink
Traditionally, Greenback cutthroat trout typically weighed between 1 and 2 pounds, and did not <br />exceed 12 inches in length. Presently, size is dependant upon elevation and population size. <br />Spawning is initiated in the spring when water temperatures reach 5-8°C. Although greenbacks <br />are spring spawners, older greenback males in high elevation streams, were observed to be in <br />spawning colors and running milt by mid-September. <br />Greenback cutthroat trout require clear, swift-flowing mountain streams with cover such as <br />overhanging banks and vegetation. Riffle areas are used for spawning. Juveniles tend to shelter <br />in shallow backwaters until large enough to fend for themselves in the mainstream. <br />Historically, the greenback is the only trout endemic to the headwaters of the South Platte and <br />Arkansas River drainages within Colorado and a small segment of the South Platte drainage <br />within Wyoming. The exact historical distribution of the species is not known. The greenback <br />and the Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) represent the easternmost <br />limits of native trout distribution in the western United States. <br />Since all the drainage from the proposed Sage Creek Mine enters the Yampa River system and <br />does not enter the South Platte and Arkansas River drainages OSM has determined that the <br />proposed Sage Creek Mine revision will "not effect" the continued existence of the Greenback <br />cutthroat trout. <br />Yellow-billed cuckoo <br />The Yellow-billed cuckoo, (coccyzus americanus), is a medium sized bird with a slender, long- <br />tailed profile and a slightly down-curved bill, which is blue-black with yellow on the lower half <br />of the bill. Plumage is grayish-brown above and white below, with rufous primary flight <br />feathers. This species occupies tall riparian habitat consisting of cottonwood over story and an <br />under story of dense willow or tamarisk at elevations of less than 6,500 feet above mean sea <br />level. <br />Suitable or potentially suitable habitat that would support lynx, based on existing vegetation, <br />does not exist on or adjacent to the permit area. Therefore, OSM has determined that the <br />proposed Sage Creek Mine will "not effect" the continued existence of the Yellow-billed cuckoo. <br />As part of the permit application Sage Creek Coal Company, LLC also submitted a "Fish and <br />Wildlife Plan" to provide for protection measures to be taken for various species. Of particular <br />importance are the measures to be taken for the protection of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse <br />(Tympanuchus phasianellus columbians), Greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and <br />the Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), copy enclosed. All three of these species have a relatively <br />high presence in the vicinity of the proposed Sage Creek Mine.