2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2009087 (18)

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Sage Creek Mine February 2009 • throughout the Sage Creek Mine survey area in densities between 3.6 and 16.9 elk per square mile. Although mule deer observations were sparse during that same period, deer herds have been rather predictable in the southwest extent of the big game survey area each year that aerial big game surveys were conducted. Abundant habitat for both deer and elk occurs within the area, and the CDOW has designated all or portions of the mine area as summer and winter elk and /or mule deer range. The CDOW has also identified elk migration patterns that follow Fish Creek and Foidel Creek and intersect with the Twentymile County Road 27 and the transportation corridor portion of the study area that extends south to the Twentymile Coal Company facilities. An increase in traffic from additional mine vehicles in the area may increase the likelihood of vehicle collisions with big game, but the current activity along the county road is moderately heavy already. However, consideration of a conveyor system design in the transportation corridor may be warranted to help mitigate the impacts on elk movements throughout the area. Otherwise, the minimal extent of surface disturbing activities associated with the Sage Creek Mine should have minimal influence on the local and regional elk and mule deer populations. Of the 10 known sharp - tailed grouse leks documented within the Sage Creek Mine survey area, • only one (Seneca 2) is within 0.5 mile of the proposed surface disturbing activities. The Seneca 2 lek has been active with 11 to 33 male grouse in attendance annually over the last 10 years, while operations and reclamation of the Seneca II Mine have been on going. It is not anticipated that continued operations associated with the Sage Creek Mine would have a detrimental effect on the continued attendance at the Seneca II lek or any other leks in the surrounding area. Although historical records of sage - grouse observations and suitable habitat for this species are present in the southern portion of the study area, ICF Jones & Stokes biologists have not documented any sage - grouse observations over the course of the long -term monitoring for the Seneca 11 and Yoast Mines. It is undetermined how the development of the Sage Creek Mine will affect the known raptor nests in the area. One golden eagle territory (six nests in SE Section 3 and NE Section 10 T5N:R87W), one American kestrel nest (SE SE Section 34 T6N:R87W), and one Swainson's hawk nest (NW SW Section 30 T5N:R86W), are located within 0.25 mile of the proposed surface disturbing activities associated with the mine. Due to the exposure from past mining disturbance associated with the Seneca II Mine and the somewhat sheltered location of the golden eagle nests (cliff nests) and American kestrel nest (nest box), there may be no impacts on the continued success at those • sites. However, monitoring and possible mitigation measures may be necessary to minimize the 26