1981-08-20_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981038

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Vegetation The vegetation types in the vicinity of the Orchard Valley Mine are pinyon-juniper and mountain shrub. The pinyon-juniper type occurs generally below (south) of the mine while mountain shrub occurs above (north) of the mine. The mine itself is within a transitional area exhibiting characteristics and containing plants of both vegetation types. Endangered or Threatened Species No threatened or endangered plant species are known to occur on the proposed lease area. - Wildlife The area surrounding the Orchard Valley Mine is not substantially different from the areas to the east or west along the North Fork of the Gunnison. The habitats range from the pinyon-juniper type through a transition zone up to the mountain brush type. There is considerable overlap of these habitat types and some special habitat features found among_the types. A riparian habitat is found along Stevens Gulch, an intermittent stream. The more typical species of these habitat types are mule deer, elk, coyote, porcupine, squirrel , rabbit, golden eagle, kestrel , several passerine species, smooth green snake, and the sagebrush lizard. The riparian habitat provides water and cover for many species which utilize the other three habitat types. Water is also available at stockwater ponds north of the mine and at the irrigation canals. The riparian cottonwoods provide nesting si-tes for some raptors (probably Buteos or Accipiters) , tree swallows, magpies, woodpeckers, and other birds. The snags (dead pinyon and juniper trees) , particularly north and east of the mine, provide perches for raptorial and insectivorous birds as well as food for insectivorous species. Several of these snags were created by porcupines girdling the tree or weakening it. An active golden eagle nest is within 1,000 feet of the present mine activity but is partly screened by a small ridge. The eagles have produced one young bird each year for the past two years during exten- sive development of the mine and loadout facilities. Stipulations developed for coal lease C-25079 (see Westmoreland EAR) have been imple- mented and appear to be reducing the ongoing impact on the nest. Sightings of the eagles in April and May 1977 indicate that they hunt north and east of the nest, over the area covered by this lease appli- cation. The bald eagle, a federally listed endangered species, winters along the North Fork of the Gunnison and this lease tract is well within the hunting range for this species. Food availability is the limiting 10