2011-06-07_REVISION - C1981019 (3)

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0`4 1;. STATE OF COLORADO John W. Hickenlooper, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Thomas E. Remington, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 wildlife. state. co. us May 17, 2011 Mr. Kurtis Blunt Colowyo Coal Company 5731 State Highway 13 Meeker, Co 81641 ocr-1V O JUN © 7 ??11 pivis?a; of Ord S eW n' V, IOU Re: Response to Colowyo's Letter Dated May 4, 2011 Regarding Collom Expansion Area Dear Mr. Blunt: ?p H \?'OF? For Mildlife- For People The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has reviewed your proposed actions and proposed alternative methods for addressing the wildlife impacts that will occur as a result of the proposed Collom Expansion. We believe we are making positive steps towards minimizing the wildlife impacts expected. The following items (species or vegetation community specific) are still points CDOW would encourage Colowyo to consider: GREATER SAGE GROUSE Based upon years of population specific research involving radio collared birds, CDOW has identified key, habitatsr supporting-this- specific sage grouse population (map attached). While the CDOW appreciates Colowyo's efforts to reduce the overall footprint of the proposed expansion, there is no doubt that the disturbance from the proposed Collom Mine site will have significant negative impacts on two active leks and adjacent surrounding brood rearing habitat. CDOW's proposal to convert Colowyo owned wheat fields in Axial Basin is the best alternative to offset the immediate impacts to this sage grouse population. As stated in previous CDOW comments, this sage grouse population needs to be given every opportunity to sustain itself during the active mining operations of the proposed Collom expansion. After further internal discussions, CDOW believes the greatest benefit would be incurred by converting the fields in Morgan Gulch and Collom Gulch. Based on the several years of telemetry locations gathered from the sage grouse in Axial Basin, very few sage grouse locations were documented near the Jubb Gulch fields. Thus, making improvements to these fields would likely have minimal benefits to the segment of the sage grouse population affected by the proposed Collom expansion. CDOW'believes Colowyds proposal to convert the wheat fields adjacent to the Gossard Loadout, would have little to no benefit . to' sage, grouse due to the level of activity associated with this site. However,- converting that site to a,shrub _4ominale-community would benefit wintering big game species. CDOW is encouraged by Colowyo's interest to address livestock grazing management practices as an option that may improve or enhance existing sage grouse habitat management in Axial Basin and the Morgan Creek DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Mike King, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Tim Glenn, Chair • Robert Streeter, Vice Chair • Mark Smith, Secretary Members, David R. Brougham • Dorothea Farris • Allan Jones • Gaspar Perricone • John Singletary • Dean Wingfield Ex Officio Members, Mike King and John Salazar