1992-07-22_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017

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-49- As previously stated, the mine bench outslopes will be reclaimed in-place without any topsoil . All other areas to be reclaimed will be topsoiled, with the exception of the roads which will be kept as part of the post-mining land use. All areas will be revegetated by preparing the seedbed, adding fertilizers or amendments, seeding, then mulching. Past revegetation efforts at the mine have been successful . The proposed revegetation plan should result in continued success. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(n) and on the basis of available information, the Division finds that the proposed operation will not affect the continued existence of threatened or endangered plant species. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XII . Fish and Wildlife - Rules 2.04.11 , 2.05.6(2) and 4.18 The Division 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. Mule deer and elk are the most common species, with primary habitat being the aspen/conifer vegetation type. During the summer months, 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.