1988-04-11_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (29)

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TAB 11 ADDENDUM 11-2 FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES - NUCLA EAST EXPANSION AREA Introduction Wildlife baseline studies were conducted on properties associated with Peabody Coal Company's (Peabody) proposed Nucla Mine expansion (hereinafter referred to as Nucla East). These studies were conducted during 1987 and early 1988. The majority of the baseline studies were conducted by Peabody personnel. However, Peabody retained Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. to conduct a prairie dog and black-footed ferret survey in August 1987. The approximately 628.2-acre (251.3 ha) study area covers substantially more acreage than the proposed permit area in anticipation of future mine expansion to the west. The study area is used primarily for various types of agricultural production with irrigated hay, pasture, and crops providing the basis for this production. These studies augment the original baseline work conducted by Mariah Associates, Inc., as previously reported in Tab 11. The purpose of the baseline wildlife studies was to quantify the wildlife populations, habitats, and habitat use by the wildlife groups occurring in the study area. From this information, mining related impacts can be assessed. General Description of the Study Area The Nucla East study area is located in Montrose County on the western edge of the town of Nucla. The study area is situated on bench lands below the southern edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The San Miguel River canyon lays a few miles to the south (see Exhibit 12-1). The elevation of the study area ranges from 5,650 to 5,800 feet (1,722-1,768 m). The study area includes portions of the following sections: Section 6, T46N, R15W Section 1, T46N, R16W NA NE�NEkSEk W7 NEk NEk W�2SEkNEk WkNWk W7 NEkNEk 11-2-1 Revised 04/11/88