2012-04-16_PERMIT FILE - X201223103

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specific surveys of the project area as part of its mine permit reclamation monitoring requirements for both the Seneca II and Yoast Mines. Big Game - The project area provides good year -round habitat for deer, elk and pronghorn. The CPW and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have identified winter range and critical winter range within the project and adjacent areas (Natural Diversity Information Source; http : / /www.ndis.nrel.colostate.edu; accessed 4/7/08). The latest aerial surveys conducted in 2007 by SCC mapped elk herds wintering along the eastern edge of the project area. Raptors - The project area contains potential habitat for raptors, including known nesting sites in the sandstone cliffs along the eastern and southern boundary. CPW data includes historic nest sites of golden eagles, red - tailed hawks, and other Buteo species. Adjacent areas contain historic nest locations for great horned owl and prairie falcon. Bald eagles are listed as a state threatened species. CPW data shows a historic bald eagle nest location approximately 2 miles north of the project area, as well as, winter range along the Yampa River corridor. The ferruginous hawk and peregrine falcon are state listed species of concerns, as well as on the BLM's sensitive species list. Their occurrence in the area is likely, however, there are no known nest locations in or near the Peabody Sage Creek Mine area (CPW data shows the nesting distribution for the ferruginous hawk further to the west in Moffat County). Game Birds - Greater sage grouse and Columbian sharp- tailed grouse (both state and BLM species of concern) are known to inhabit and /or utilize the area. Map 3, Grouse Lek Locations, shows grouse habitat in the project area. CPW mapping, as well as SCC site - specific surveys has identified 1 active sage grouse and 13 sharp- tailed grouse leks (8 active) within or immediately adjacent to the proposed Sage Creek 2012 Exploration Area. Additional leks likely exist in the general vicinity. CPW, in partnership with federal land management agencies, recently implemented a conservation plan for the greater -sage grouse (Colorado Greater - sage - grouse Conservation Plan, CPW, 2008). The plan recommends a 0.6 mile breeding season buffer for Greater sage - grouse and a 0.4 mile breeding season buffer for Columbian sharp- tailed grouse PSCM has consulted with the CPW regarding potential impacts to grouse habitat in the exploration program area. CPW biologists reviewed the proposed drill sites and do not anticipate any unacceptable impacts to grouse the lek sites and or breeding habitat as a result of the exploration activities. However, CPW has recommended an appropriate season for activities at each exploration site to minimize potential impacts to grouse as outlined below: - Late Season Drilling August 1 to December 1, 2013: CCU078, CCU081, CCU083 - Any Season Drilling: CCUO25, CCU065 A letter from the CPW Area Manager prepared for this exploration program is provided in Appendix B, Parks and Wildlife Consultation. BLM and State Species of Concern - Greater sandhill cranes are a state species of concern (CNHP, 2008). CPW has identified a historic sandhill crane nesting area along Sage Creek northeast of the project area. SCC site - specific surveys have documented historic sandhill crane nest locations in the project area, but the 2010 survey found no recent evidence of PSCM 2012 NOI 11 April 2012