2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (107)

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RULE 2 PERMITS GIS data (CDOW 2008) indicate that Columbian sharp- tailed grouse production areas occur in the central and western portion of the Colowyo revised permit area (i.e., existing permit area plus Collom expansion) (Map 15B Sheet 3). Except for the southern tips, most of the Colowyo revised permit area is sharp- tailed grouse winter habitat. Ten Columbian sharp- tailed grouse leks have been documented in the Collom Wildlife Study Area. Five of these leks were active in both 2006 and 2007, two were active only in 2006, one was active only in 2007, and two were inactive in both years (Cedar Creek 2006, 2007). In 2006, abundance at active leks ranged from three sharp- tailed grouse at STLekl (one male, two unknown sex) and STLek2 (two males, one unknown sex) up to 37 at the Burn lek. In 2007, abundance at active leks ranged from five sharp - tailed grouse (five males, no females) at STLek3 up to 14 sharp - tailed grouse (12 males, two females) at the Burn lek. Abundance appeared to fluctuate among years; however, only one site visit was made each year. Therefore, this variation in counts could be due to sampling variation rather than actual changes in abundance. Seven sharp- tailed grouse leks were within the Collom permit expansion area (Table 2.04.11 -18). Leks ST1 and ST2 would be within or near mining disturbance at Little Collom X (Map 15B Sheet 3). These leks were active in 2006 with three grouse observed at each lek; however, neither was active in 2007. Fish With the exception of Wilson Creek, which forms the eastern boundary of the Collom permit expansion area, there are no perennial streams within this boundary. Fish in the area would be limited to Wilson Creek. The CDOW has not classified Wilson Creek for fisheries, but it is expected to contain similar fish species as Good Spring Creek located to the east of the expansion area. Good Spring Creek has been classified by the CDOW as a non -fishery stream. Surface mining of the Collom expansion area may result in minor water depletions from the Yampa River, which would have the potential to impact habitat for endangered fish in the Colorado River Basin. The extent of expected water depletions is described in the following section. As the estimated additional depletion resulting from mining activities in the Collom expansion area is less than 100 acre -feet, initiation of consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would not be needed to determine any necessary mitigation measures. 2.04.11(4)Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species This section addresses the potential for special status fish and wildlife species to occur within the Collom permit expansion area. Special status species include Federally Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate species, State Threatened and Endangered Species, and species designated as sensitive by the BLM Little Snake Field Office. The common name, scientific name, listing status, habitat and potential for occurrence in the Collom permit expansion area are presented in Table 2.04.11 -19. The most recent USFWS Endangered Species list (July 2010) was reviewed for Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. There were nine threatened, endangered, or candidate species that potentially occur in the Collom permit expansion area based on county occurrence. Federally endangered species include four fish species (bonytail chub, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, razorback sucker) and two mammals (black- footed ferret, gray wolf). Federally threatened species include one avian species (Mexican spotted owl) and one mammal (Canada lynx). The yellow - billed cuckoo and Greater Sage - grouse have been identified as candidate species for federal listing. Collom — Rule 2, Page 83 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03