_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (283)

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-48- XII. Fish and 'Wildlife - Rules 2.04.11 , 2.05.6(2) and 4.18 The Oivision has reviewed the fish and wildlife resource information in the application in Section III-I of Volume 6, and the fish and wildlife management plan in Chapter IV, Section B of Volume 7. A substantial wildlife population inhabits Coal Basin and has apparently adapted well to disturbances by the mining operation over the past 25 years. Coal Basin is within the U.S. Forest Service Thompson Creek planning unit in which 188 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and several species of reptiles and amphibians have been inventoried. Big game species include elk, mule deer, black bear, and wild turkeys. Available winter.range is the limiting factor for big game populations in the area. i4ule deer and elk are the most common species, with primary habitat being the aspen/conifer vegetation type. During the summer momths, deer and elk use the north flank of Coal Basin as a fawning and calving ground. This area is outside the permit area, thus it won't be disturbed by the proposed operation. During the winter, deer and elk migrate out of the basin because severe weather and snow conditions provide little forage and an unfavorable environment. Other mammals common to the permit and adjacent area include beaver, coyote, fox, marmots, bobcat, skunk, racoon, weasel, porcupine, and rabbit. Two of the most common small game mammal species in the permit area are the cottontail rabbit and the snowshoe hare. Both are year-around residents. Aquatic life in the Coal Creek drainage (the major drainage through the permit area) is in the process of reestablishing itself after being practically eliminated by a 100-year flood event which occurred in 1977. Benthic species are reestablishing in Coal Creek and water quality samples show Coal Creek is suitable to support a fish population. Wildlife habitat will be improved by the completion of the rock tunnel projectu In h use o present aul n res�ricted to iight use, the roads should then serve as ac-'mess corridors for the wildlife, allowing them to range with greater ease throughout the basin. The reduced use of the roads will also lessen the potential for impacts on sensitive species. Pleasures proposed by the applicant to mitigate effects on wildlife include reclaiming disturued areas with plant materials that are suitable for wildlife grazing or cover, prohibiting hunting within the surface facilities area, and a 25 mph speed limit to reduce wildlife roan kills. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2) tn) and on the basis of available information, the Division finds that the proposed activities will not affect the continued existence of endaneered or threatened wildlife species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats.