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Facility (Beyond 2030 should Collom be developed). Potential conversion of <br />the wheat fields in the Morgan Gulch, Jubb Creek and Collom Gulch areas is <br />far more difficult to commit to because of their separation from identified coal <br />resources and as such are more likely to be divested as part of a future sales <br />process. Initial inquiries lead us to believe in the short term it is unlikely that <br />Rio Tinto/Colowyo Mine legal staff would support the addition of specific <br />deed encumbrances that would ensure mitigation work would be continued <br />after a sale of these properties. <br />¦ Given the current constraints as discussed above Colowyo would like <br />to offer the following proposal <br />• Conversion of the approximately 274 acres of wheat fields <br />surrounding the Gossard Loadout facility to a CRP equivalent <br />plant community that would act as additional sage grouse/mule <br />deer/elk habitat. <br />• Re-evaluation of grazing leases in the Morgan Creek Ranching <br />for Wildlife Area to identify specifically targeted <br />improvements that would benefit local mule deer populations. <br />• Evaluation of livestock grazing utilization of specific riparian <br />locations in the Morgan Creek Ranching for Wildlife Area and <br />subsequent scheduling of possible water development, fencing <br />or other relevant management practices that would positively <br />impact local mule deer populations. <br />• Evaluation of the CRM agreement and management practices <br />that could identify additional areas in the Axial Basin that <br />could be eligible candidates for habitat improvement <br />initiatives. <br />Allow for migratory crossings along the haul road to minimize deer/vehicle <br />collisions. <br />o Current plans allow mule deer full access along the entirety of the haul road. <br />As stated previously, Colowyo is proposing to include additional lighting at <br />critical points on the proposed haul road/access road in combination with <br />voluntary speed reductions to minimize vehicle/wildlife interactions. <br />Colowyo feels this proposal provides the lowest possible impact to wildlife <br />migration/movement patterns. Colowyo believes that the construction of <br />barrier fences and crossings would be very disruptive to wildlife movements <br />especially in the short term and would lead to a larger net negative impact. <br />MINE HAULAGE ROAD FROM THE GOSSARD LOAD-OUT TO THE NEW <br />COLLOM DISTURBANCE BOUNDARY <br />- Fence entire length of road on both sides with barrier fence. One-way escapement <br />gates or ramps every 1/4 mile on each side. <br />o Colowyo has considered the construction of a barrier fence on either side of <br />the mine haul road/access road and is presenting the following proposal as an <br />alternative to this suggestion in order to minimize vehicle/wildlife <br />interactions: <br />Colowyo Mine C-1981-019 page 5 of 9 4 May 2011 <br />Permit Revision 03 - Collom Permit Expansion