2012-04-27_REVISION - C1996083 (2)

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J.E. Stover & Associates, Inc April 24, 2012 Page 7 Boreal Toad The boreal toad (also known as mountain toad) was historically widespread and abundant throughout most of the southern Rocky Mountains, and has undergone a severe decline in distribution and abundance since the late 1970s. Causes for decline potentially include habitat destruction or alteration (flooding of montane or boreal wetlands to create reservoirs; road construction; water, livestock, timber, minerals, and fire management practices; and predation by introduced trout). The most urgent threat to boreal toads is that they are susceptible to chytrid fungus, a disease thought to be contributing significantly to declines and population extinction of frogs and toads around the world. Only three historic boreal toad breeding sites are known from Delta County, near the north county line on the Grand Mesa; no documented records of boreal toad exist for Delta County since 1958.', CPW performed a cursory survey for boreal toads in the 1980s and 1990s in the Hubbard Creek area and found none. Current knowledge of boreal toad distribution is patchy in Colorado and recent survey data are limited, and absence of records does not necessarily indicate absence of the species in suitable habitat. Development of a rangewide habitat occupancy model by CPW is currently in progress. Boreal toad breeding habitat is generally limited to elevations above 8,500 feet above mean sea level '21 in still or sluggish water with emergent vegetation and shrubby willows at the gently - sloping edges of small lakes or ponds, beaver ponds, wetlands, glacial kettle ponds, and sluggishly - flowing, low- gradient ditches or streams interspersed in subalpine forests (lodgepole pine, Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, or mixed conifer aspen) . Breeding success requires permanent or semi- permanent water sources. Although the toads may move up to 4 kilometers from their breeding habitat following breeding season, they are never far from damp soil or leaf litter conditions. Only one small, isolated area within the southwest part of the Mine Permit Boundary lies above 8,500 feet in elevation (approximately 10 acres in the northwest quarter of Section 18; see Figure 2). This area features an intermittent drainage and seasonal pond basins, is primarily vegetated in mixed mountain shrubs and sagebrush, and lies more than 4 kilometers south and southeast of potential preferred breeding habitat of boreal toad. Areas of marginal habitat within the Mine Permit Boundary (low- gradient intermittent streams with scattered small patches or stringers of aspen or mixed conifer -aspen in semi - riparian settings) lie below 8,500 feet in elevation. Therefore, the routine renewal of the Bowie No. 2 Mine permit is not likely to result in the loss of boreal toad habitat or individual animals. This finding is consistent with a previous analysis at coal exploration and methane vent drilling locations within the north portion of the Mine Permit Boundary. From an elevational standpoint, any potential boreal toad habitat in the vicinity of the activities authorized under the mine permit renewal would lie upgradient of current surface disturbance (shown on Figure 2). Endangered Fishes The upper Colorado River Basin is home to 12 native fish species, four of which are listed as endangered: bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, and razorback sucker (USFWS 1991). Decline of the four endangered species is due at least in part to habitat destruction (diversion and impoundment of rivers) and competition and predation from introduced fish species. 21 Jones, Paul (CPW Wildlife Biologist). 2012. Personal communication with D. Reeder (Rare Earth). March 26. 22 Sherman, Rick. 2000. Iron Point coal exploration license wildlife inventory. Prepared by Wildlife Habitat and Natural Resource Specialists for J. E. Stover & Associates. May 14. RARE EARIh SCIENCE