2011-09-27_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (4)

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impacts of the development occurring in the Twenty-Mile Park area. This may be the best approach as existing coal mining activities continue and spread into the planned Sage Creek Mine. As far as other wildlife concerns, this area is mapped as elk winter range. CPW does not anticipate that the proposed activity will significantly impact wintering elk in the area. Therefore we are not recommending any specific precautions /measures beyond those that Peabody Coal Co. already employs in regard to the activity of their employees working in areas of seasonally critical wildlife habitat. The CPW is not aware of any federally listed threatened or endangered species that will he impacted by the proposed drill site activity, although as mentioned above, the Greater sage- grouse is a federally listed candidate species. The greater sandhill crane is another Colorado species of special concern that may utilize some of the areas within the proposed project location, but should not be impacted as long as the grouse timing recommendations listed above are followed. CPW also recommends that adequate measures be taken to exclude all types of wildlife (e.g., big game, birds, and small rodents) from the proposed facility. The CPW recommends reclamation using a rangeland seed mixture, which contains a broad array of native grasses, forbs, and shrub species desirable for wildlife, including Columbian sharp - tailed grouse, sage -grouse and elk. Use high diversity (10 species or more) reclamation seed mixes in Columbian sharp -tailed grouse habitat. Use approved CP4D (Columbian sharp - tailed grouse) seed mixes, based on soil type, available from Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Service, or other seed mixes approved by CPW. Avoid aggressive non - native grasses. The appropriate species of big sagebrush should be re- seeded on disturbed sites. Big sagebrush seed should be broadcast seeded separately from the grasses and forbs. Reclamation of breeding habitat should include a substantially higher percentage of forbs than other areas. Native and select non - native forbs and legumes should be considered a vital component of reclamation seed mixes. Thanks again for the opportunity to comment on this proposal. If you have further questions regarding this matter, please contact District Wildlife Manager Danielle Domson at 970- 846 -305 Sincere�l,� � l James M. Haskins Area Wildlife Manager Area 10- Steamboat Springs CC: Velarde, Haskins, Domson, Rossi, Jerry Nettleton, Area file