2011-08-26_REVISION - C1981010 (5)

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• • • 3.1. Rangelands. The post- mining land uses of rangeland and wildlife habitat have unquestionably been achieved. As documented in Section 2.0 of this report, an erosionally stable and biologically diverse cover of plant species and life forms (grasses, forbs and woody plants) sustainably supports an impressive assortment and quantity of wildlife on the Trapper rangelands proposed herein for final bond release. Recent aerial big game surveys conducted by John Monarch of Monarch & Associates demonstrate that while mule deer numbers have remained stable since mining began in the mid- 1970's, elk numbers have increased by an order of magnitude and pronghorn numbers have increased form zero to hundreds. Reclaimed lands proposed herein for final bond release are subjected to grazing by big game animals, in at least the hundreds during the summer months to thousands during the late fall through early spring months. This degree of intense grazing has proven to be sustainable with no significant detrimental effect on reclaimed rangelands. In addition, recent Division of Wildlife studies and in house monitoring demonstrate that Columbian sharp - tailed grouse are utilizing reclaimed rangelands for nesting and brood rearing to a much higher degree than adjacent native and CRP lands. DOW research also indicates that reclaimed rangelands at Trapper provide better quality habitat for sharptails than adjacent native or CRP lands. Other wildlife species utilizing Trapper's reclaimed rangelands include greater sage- grouse, raptors, a variety of small birds and mammals, and waterfowl. 4.0 Potential Hydrologic Impact Monthly field inspections by DRMS and Trapper personnel since reclamation activities began demonstrate that the reclamation proposed for bond release is hydrologically and erosionally stable. The recontoured landscape, that includes properly designed reconstructed drainages, is well vegetated and the hydrologic system is functioning as designed. Potential off -site surface and groundwater impacts from mining in the area proposed for bond release with this application are discussed below. A more detailed discussion of potential mine -wide impacts is found in Section 4.8.3 (Probable Hydrologic Consequences) of the Trapper permit document (C -81- 010). Historical hydrology monitoring data can be found in Appendix W (annual report documents) of permit document C -81 -010.