2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2009087A (11)

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RULE 2 - PERMITS ICF Jones & Stokes conducted annual wildlife monitoring for both the Seneca II and Yoast Mines • from 1994 to 2007. In addition, they conducted wildlife surveys specifically focused on the permit area in April and June of 2008 (avian surveys) and in January of 2000 (big game) in order to acquire baseline data for inclusion in the PSCM permit application. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected on species occurrence, relative abundance, and habitat affinities within the PSCM permit area and the appropriate wildlife survey boundary around the permit area. The wildlife survey areas differed for each species or taxonomic group of interest:, and are described under their respective sections below. Results from the 2008 site - specific surveys are summarized below, along with relevant historical survey data from the Seneca II and Yoast Mines. Incidental observations of non - target wildlife species in or near the PSCM permit area that were made by ICF Jones & Stokes in 2008 and 2009 are briefly summarized. Any appropriate wildlife information that was available from CDOW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are also described (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information, contains the ICF Jones & Stokes baseline wildlife report, titled Sage Creek Mine 200812009 Wildlife Baseline Report (Jones & Stokes, 2009)) Big Game From 1994 to 2007, ICF Jones & Stokes conducted annual big game surveys on the Seneca II and Yoast Mine permit areas. These aerial surveys targeted all big game species with potential to occur in the area, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. No big game surveys were conducted in 2008 for the reclaimed Seneca II and Yoast Mines because wildlife monitoring requirements were waived by CDOW and CDRMS for that year. In 2009, aerial surveys were conducted within the PSCM permit area and a two mile buffer surrounding the permit area (]Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). • The Seneca II and Yoast Mine wildlife big game survey areas included a two mile buffer around the respective permit areas, encompassing approximately 65.4 square miles (which includes more than 61 percent of the PSCM permit area). The big game survey area for the PSCM including the PSCM permit area and a two mile buffer encompassed approximate 18.9 additional square miles. Only the far northern and southeastern portions of the SCCC big game survey area were not included in the previous Seneca II and Yoast Mine big game surveys (Exhibit 2 1 .04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). The aerial surveys were conducted using a helicopter to systematically search for big game in all drainages and slopes in the Seneca II and Yoast Mine big game survey areas. The locations of all big game sightings were noted (including other mammalian predators, grouse, and raptors) as well as habitat associations for each observation. See Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information, for further details on the survey methods. A summary of the big game data compiled from 2000 to 2009 is discussed below. Historical data is discussed in the appropriate annual reports for the Seneca II and Yoast Mines, previously submitted to CDRMS (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). Elk — The permit area is primarily used as winter range by elk. CROW has designated the permit area as follows: the entire SCCC permit area is elk winter range, and the majority of the permit area is a winter concentration area. Severe winter range is located in the northwest quarter, and a small area along the eastern edge of the PSCM permit area. There is a small area of summer range along the western and southern perimeter of the permit area. There are no elk migration corridors in the • permit area. The proposed PSCM surface disturbance area has been designated by CDOW as elk winter range and as a winter concentration area, and a small portion of the northwest corner as elk severe winter range (CDOW 2008a) (Map 2.04.11 -M1, Wildlife Information - Elk). PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -150 6/15/09