1995-08-11_REVISION - M1977493 (11)

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RESULTS OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES SURVEYS CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM MINE AND MILL AREAS LAKE, EAGLE, AND SUMMIT COUNTIES, COLORADO 1. INTRODUCTION This report summarizes the results of surveys for threatened and endangered (T&E) plant and animal species at the Climax molybdenum mine and mill project area. The surveys were conducted by The S.M. Stoller Corporation on behalf of Cyprus Climax Metals Company. The Climax site covers approximately 14,000 acres (22 square miles) and includes areas on both sides of the Continental Divide near Fremont Pass in central Colorado. The site includes portions of Lake County (Arkansas River drainage), Eagle County (Eagle River drainage), and Summit County (Tenmile Creek drainage). The project vicinity includes considerable areas of alpine tundra as well as spruce-fir, lodgepold pine, mountain meadow, streamside meadow, streamside willow, and other subalpine habitats. The surveys at Climax were performed in conjunction with similar studies at the Urad mine and mill and Henderson mine in Clear Creek County and the Henderson mill in Grand County. The purpose of the T&E surveys was to provide Cyprus Climax with information that is useful in assessing current site conditions and may be required under present or future regulatory scenarios (e.g., Environmental Protection Plans). 2. SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN 2.1 Federally Listed Species Based on a review of existing information on geographic range and habitat preference, one animal and one plant species currently listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were considered to be potentially present in the Climax project area. These two species are discussed below: • Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) — This large raptor is most common in Colorado during the winter. Bald eagles usually occur along rivers and lakes that remain at least partially free of ice and favor areas with large trees for perching or roosting. Bald eagles are much less common in Colorado during the spring/summer breeding season. Although the study area is probably too high for sustained use by this species, occasional use by migrants in spring or fall and by vagrants throughout the year is possible. • Penland's eutrema (Eutrema penlandit) — A tiny member of the mustard family, this species is mostly limited to areas of alpine tundra developed on Leadville limestone, generally above 12,000 feet in areas downslope of persistent snowfields. Although the range of this plant includes the corners of Summit, Eagle, Lake, and Park counties, it is unlikely to occur in the project area because of the absence of Leadville limestone in surficial or near-surface materials. 1