2011-05-23_REVISION - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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included followed by Colowyo's comments or proposed alternative methods for addressing your concerns. MITIGATION TO WILDLIFE IMPACTS GREATER SAGE GROUSE Conversion of wheat fields. o Colowyo has evaluated CDOW's suggestion that conversion of the wheat fields in the lower portions of Morgan Gulch, Jubb Creek and Collom Gulch would be a significant mechanism to offset impacts to local sage grouse populations. CDOW also mentions that this could also be applied to the wheat fields located in the general vicinity of the Gossard Loadout. For several reasons, the wheat fields nearest the Gossard Loadout would be the least problematic to convert to a CRP equivalent plant community. Colowyo would also be able to ensure that these fields would remain in this modified condition throughout the expected remaining life span of the Gossard Loadout Facility (Beyond 2030 should Collom be developed). Potential conversion of the wheat fields in the Morgan Gulch, Jubb Creek and Collom Gulch areas is far more difficult to commit to because of their separation from identified coal resources and as such are more likely to be divested as part of a future sales process. Initial inquiries lead us to believe in the short term it is unlikely that Rio Tinto/Colowyo Mine legal staff would support the addition of specific deed encumbrances that would ensure mitigation work would be continued after a sale of these properties. ¦ Given the current constraints as previously discussed above Colowyo would like to offer the following proposal: • Conversion of the approximately 274 acres of wheat fields surrounding the Gossard Loadout facility to a CRP equivalent plant community that would act as additional sage grouse/mule deer/elk habitat. • Re-evaluation of grazing leases in the Morgan Creek Ranching for Wildlife Area to identify specifically targeted improvements that would benefit local sage grouse populations. • Evaluation of livestock grazing utilization of specific riparian locations in the Morgan Creek Ranching for Wildlife Area and subsequent scheduling of possible water development, fencing or other relevant management practices that would positively impact local sage grouse populations. • Evaluation of the CRM agreement and management practices that could identify additional areas in the Axial Basin that could be eligible candidates for habitat improvement initiatives. Maintain corridors and pockets of suitable habitat in permitted mine boundary. o Only approximately 9% of the expansion area is targeted for disturbance. Colowyo Mine C-1981-019 page 2 of 9 4 May 2011 Permit Revision 03 - Collom Permit Expansion