2012-04-16_PERMIT FILE - X201223103

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deep and moderately -deep, well- drained, gently sloping to moderately steep soils on uplands and in valleys ". Vegetation: There are two primary vegetation groups in the project area: areas dominated by natural vegetation and agricultural lands. A third group is lands reclaimed after mining. Natural vegetation types are primarily herbaceous /low shrub vegetation communities, some areas of mesic drainage and herbaceous wetland, and mixed mountain brush, with small inclusions of aspen forest woodland. Agricultural lands are primarily cultivated croplands and pasture /Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. The reclaimed mine lands are primarily herbaceous with some low brush. Prevailing land uses include cropland, rangeland, pastureland, and wildlife habitat, with cropland/rangeland /wildlife habitat being the dominate land uses. Cultivated croplands are lands fanned on a regular basis for annual crops (primarily Dryland wheat). Pasture /CRP lands are areas retired from cultivation which have been seeded to herbaceous species to improve forage quantity, quality or utility. Seeded pastureland is dominated by mixed wheat - grasses. Generally, rangeland areas are characterized by stands of mixed mountain brush (dominated by sagebrush/snowberry in the lower elevations and serviceberry /Gambel's oak in the higher elevations) interspersed by open meadows with native and pastureland grasses. Revegetated mine lands are similar to seeded pastureland and are dominated by mixed wheat grasses. No federal or state threatened or endangered (T &E) plant species occur in the project area ( http : / /www.blm.gov /co /st /en /BLM Programs/botany.html; assessed 4/10/08). The only rare plant species with federal status with potential to occur in the project area is Ute Ladies' Tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis). The only suitable habitat for this species in Western Routt County is in the vicinity of the Yampa River along the floodplain, which is several miles north and west of the project area. Several plants regarded as rare by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (http: / /www.cnhp.colostate.edu: assessed 4/10/08) have known occurrences in the Little Snake River Resource Area, though mostly at lower elevations and further to the west of the project area. The only CNHP rare plant species with some potential for occurrence in the project area are Harrington beardtongue (Penstemon harringtonii) and Autumn willow (Salix serissima). Previous field reconnaissance did not identify any occurrences of these species. Access and locations for the proposed exploration activities have been laid -out to utilize existing roads and two - tracks and previously disturbed areas to the extent feasible, therefore, the proposed exploration activities should not significantly impact existing vegetation communities. Temporary impacts to cropping and grazing activities are anticipated and will be addressed by coordinated scheduling and surface damage agreements with surface owners /lessees. Wildlife: The sagebrush, pastureland and mixed brush vegetation types in the project area support a variety of wildlife species. Information on wildlife in the vicinity of the project area was obtained from federal and state agencies, as well as, site - specific studies for adjacent coal properties. The BLM and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), in partnership with CNHP, keep information on area wildlife including big game, game birds and other species of concern. This includes federal and state listed T &E species, and other species considered to be rare or of special interest. Seneca Coal Company conducts annual site - PSCM2012 NOI 10 April 2012