2012-01-05_REVISION - C1980005 (8)

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effects of grazing on the study area, with the results submitted to the Division. Reports have been submitted as required. XII. Post - mining Land Use The predominant pre - mining land use on the mining area has been the grazing of domestic livestock on native rangeland and utilization of associated habitat types by wildlife. While not as extensive, secondary pre - mining land uses consist of industrial areas (oil and gas exploration). The reclamation plan has been developed to achieve a primary postmining land use of livestock grazing and a secondary use of wildlife habitat. These uses are described in Volume 12, Tab 13 of the permit application. The Division hereby approves the primary post- mining land uses of livestock grazing and wildlife habitat (2.07.6(2)(1)). The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values The fish and wildlife resources information is presented in Volume 9, Tab 11 of the permit application. As part of the Permit Renewal 06 review, the Division requested that SCC review and verify that the Wildlife Survey for the mine contained in Tab 11 includes the current list of species identified for Routt County, or have a new survey done using the current list. SCC responded accordingly by updating page 15 of Tab 11 to reflect the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service list (July 2010). The applicant has used persistent pesticides on the site during mining and /or reclamation operations. The Division previously approved this usage. Dicambra, Picloram and 2,4 -D herbicides will be used to control established stands of noxious weeds. The Division has determined that the proposed application rates of these chemicals will not prove harmful to fish, wildlife, or the environment in general. ( In association with the Permit Renewal 06 review, both the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were notified and their comments concerning potential effects of the operation on threatened or endangered wildlife species of wildlife were solicited. Neither agency indicated concerns with respect to potential impacts to threatened or endangered species. Pursuant to the finding required by Rule 2.07.6(2)(n), and on the basis of information set forth in the permit application and consultation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Division finds the proposed operation will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. 27