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suitable habitat at the Mine and describe how the project is likely to adversely affect Ute <br />ladies'- tresses. <br />You also determined that there would be no effect to Phacelia submutica (DeBeque phacelia). <br />However, a habitat model developed by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program shows that there <br />is potentially suitable habitat within the northwest corner of the Mine boundary along either side <br />of Highway 139. If there is current or expected activity in the potentially suitable habitat area <br />the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recommends that plant surveys be conducted. Our <br />botanists and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) botanists may be able to help with habitat <br />assessments and/or surveys for both the DeBeque phacelia and the Ute ladies'- tresses. The BLM <br />has permit responsibility for the Mine (but not the Loadout Facility) since the Mine is partially <br />on BLM land. The BLM has conducted some plant inventories on the Mine and should be <br />consulted for further information and cooperation on the consultation. <br />You determined that the proposed action would have no effect on the greenback cutthroat trout <br />(Oncorhynchus clarki stomias) (cutthroat trout) since drainages on the Mine do not enter the <br />South Platte or Arkansas River drainages. However, based on recent genetic work, cutthroat <br />trout in Colorado, including western Colorado, have been assigned to different deoxyribonucleic <br />acid (DNA) lineages, including the following: GB (greenback), CR (Colorado River), and RG <br />(Rio Grande). It is not known if the DNA lineages represent subspecies. GB lineage trout are <br />not known to exist in East Salt Creek or Munger Creek, the primary drainages within the Mine <br />boundary so a "no effect" determination is still appropriate. Until more information is available <br />the Service has advised Federal agencies to conduct consultations for any actions that may affect <br />cutthroat trout populations identified as GB lineage in Colorado. For the future, please contact. <br />the Service to determine if streams with GB lineage fish occur within the action. area. <br />If the Service can be of further assistance please contact Terry Ireland at the letterhead address or <br />(970) 243 -2778, extension 16. <br />Cc: BLM /Grand Junction (Christina Stark) <br />CDRMS /Denver (Michael Boulay) <br />TIreland: OSMMcCIaneCanyonMineCommentLetter. docx:062411:KM <br />2 <br />Sincerely, <br />r, Allan R. Pfister <br />Western Colorado Supervisor <br />