2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (108)

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RULE 2 PERMITS overutilization to varying degrees. (It has been evident both past and present that many of the shrubs are in a decadent condition.) The results of past poor range management practices and heavy browse use have been a reduction in growth with less available forage. In addition, species such as oak and serviceberry have grown taller, with palatable growth being limited to a height which can be reached only by the largest animals. As oak and serviceberry have grown taller, large windbreaks have been created. In the winter, these areas hold the snow, which becomes deep enough to limit all access by deer and elk. Thirty years of observations on the permit area have shown that winter use of the mountain shrub type by elk and deer is highly dependent on snow depth and severity of winter weather conditions. The use of serviceberry has been limited to shrubs near the edges of the stands where less snow buildup occurs. Depending on snow depth, elk and deer populations tend to concentrate on south facing hill slope areas where snow depth is minimal. Colowyo began fencing the boundaries of the Federal lease during the fall of 1976. The fencing was completed during the summer of 1977. At this time all cattle were removed from the lease area. The fencing was completed as part of an overall grazing management program to improve the rangeland after several years of over - grazing. In 1991, Colowyo constructed a similar fence to provide a boundary for the areas added to the Permit and to exclude grazing in this area. Grazing and hunting activities will similarly be suspended in the Collom area upon approval of this revision as safety concerns for livestock, livestock handlers and hunters make these activities untenable. These activities will be reactivated once full bond release has been achieved in the Collom area. Multiple programs involving the Morgan Creek Ranching for Wildlife operation, sagegrouse and deer studies are expected to continue long into the 40 future. Disturbed Areas Disturbed acreage has been kept to a minimum in the permit area by proper planning for the location of mine support facilities, haul roads, and pit advance. The mining methods, as discussed in Section 2.05.3, allow for a minimum amount of disturbance on an annual basis once pit boxcuts have been developed. Topsoil and vegetation are removed during the summer and fall months to allow for only enough disturbance to facilitate mining advance through June of the following year. Habitat Improvement Program Please refer to Volume 1, Section 2.05.4 for detailed information on historical habitat improvement programs previously undertaken at Colowyo Mine. Many individual habitat improvement initiatives have been completed through the efforts of the CDOW and the Morgan Creek Ranching for Wildlife operation. These efforts will be continued into the future. The proposed Collom area reclamation plan (collectively Volume 15, Section 2.05.4 and 4.15 and referenced sections from the existing Coloywo permit) specifically target improved shrub establishment over all future reclamation units and focus on the creation of sagegrouse brood rearing habitat that will improve habitat availability and value for other sagebrush obligate species as well. Sagegrouse Mitigation Please refer to Volume 1, Section 2.05.4 for detailed information on sagegrouse mitigation activities previously undertaken at Colowyo Mine. Collom — Rule 2, Page 123 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03