2010-05-07_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C2009087

Home Browse Search

Baseline Survey The PSCM permit area adjoins a reclaimed mine, the Yoast Mine (C-94-082), and will incorporate a portion of the reclaimed Seneca II Mine (C-80-005). Annual wildlife monitoring was conducted for the two reclaimed mines from 1994 to 2007. Wildlife baseline studies were conducted for PSCM in 2008. Details of the wildlife studies are in Exhibit 2.04.11-E1 of the permit application. Wildlife observed during the monitoring and baseline studies included big game, upland game birds, raptors, breeding birds (song birds), and small mammals. The 2008 baseline survey found 62 bird species, 11 mammal species, and one amphibian species (boreal chorus frog). Bird species diversity was highest in the mountain brush habitat (22 species) and grassland habitat (21 species). The most abundant bird species was the cliff swallow which tended to occur in large flocks and nesting colonies. Big Game The PSCM permit area is used as winter range for elk. The north-central portion of the permit area is winter range for mule deer, with part of this area providing critical and severe winter range for the deer. All of the permit area is summer range for mule deer. Pronghorn overall range is present in the northwest and southeastern parts of the permit area. There is no summer pronghorn range in the permit area, but winter range exists just outside the northwestern portion of the permit area. Upland Game Birds Columbian sharp-tailed grouse inhabit the permit area and adjacent area year-round in ten leks. Greater sage-grouse reproduce in the western part of the permit area in summer months, although an active lek is not known. Blue grouse and mourning dove are known to frequent the permit area and adjacent area. Raptors and Other Large Birds Three species of raptors were found nesting during the 2008 wildlife survey of the permit area and adjacent area: golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, and Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni). Unoccupied nests of an unknown species of Buteo were also found. Additional raptor species sighted during the survey were Cooper's hawk, northern harrier, and bald eagle. One turkey vulture nest was found during the survey and the species is known to be common in the permit area. Greater sandhill cranes were regularly seen in the permit area between 2004 and 2008. Special Status Species Special status species include federal or state-listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species; state species of special concern; and BLM sensitive species. The following four special status species were observed on or near the proposed PSCM permit area during the 2008 baseline survey: Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Colorado species of special concern), greater sandhill crane, (Colorado species of special concern), and the bald eagle (Colorado threatened species). Great sage- grouse (federal candidate engangered species) has been observed along the southern PSCM permit boundary, and as previously mentioned, the western part of the permit boundary is a production area. Peabody Sage Creek Mine 10 May 7, 2010