2012-12-26_PERMIT FILE - X201220512

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COLORADO PARKS &WILDLIFE PO Box 775777 •Steamboat Springs,Colorado 80477 (970)871-2855 •(970)871-2853 wildlife.state.co.us·parks.state.co.us November 28,2012 Twentymile Coal,LLC 29515 RCR27 Oak Creek,CO 80467 ATTN:Jerry Nettleton RE:Twentymile Coal,LLC Seismic Testing 2012/2013-Wildlife Consultation On November 13,2012 Twentymile Coal,LLC requested from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)a Wildlife Consultation letter concerning a seismic testing project in the Twenty Mile Park area,Routt County Colorado.CPW appreciates the opportunity to review the proposed Seismic testing with respect to wildlife impacts. Twentymile Coal,LLC is proposing to conduct Digipulse seismic testing on State of Colorado,Twentymile Coal,LLC,Routt County Road #37 and other private lands in and around the Twentymile park area.This activity would include 5 seismic lines totaling approximately 7.12 miles.The Digipulse seismic operations will begin on Line land proceed south through line 5.The proposed seismic project is expected to start in late December 2012 or early January 2013.A production rate of approximately 1 to 2 miles per day is expected with project completion estimated for late January to early February 2013 (Information provided by Twentymile Coal,LLC exhibits 1,2,5,8). A variety of wildlife species are expected to be found on the site including small mammals,a variety of grassl shrub land bird species including Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (CSTG)and possibly greater sage grouse (GrSG),eagles,hawks,owls,mule deer, elk,pronghorn antelope,bear,mountain lion,and coyotes.The CDOW is not aware of any federally listed threatened or endangered species habitat that will be impacted by the proposed activity. This type of activity may impact daily use patterns of local wildlife but should not have lasting impacts beyond the project time line.Much of the project is within elk,winter range,winter concentration areas and migration routes and CSTG overall range,winter range and production area.However,we do not anticipate any long term impacts if the seismic lines are reclaimed properly,if necessary,and the project is completed prior to March 15lh,the beginning of CSTG breeding season. Reviewing the equipment and personnel schedule,it is not anticipated that ground disturbance will be detrimental to existing vegetation.Although if ground disturbance is STATE OF COLORADO John W.Hickenlooper,Governor.Mike King,Executive Director,Department of Natural Resources Rick D.Cables,Director,Colorado Parks and Wildlife Parks and Wildlife Commission:Robert W.Bray.Chris Castilian.Jeanne Home Bill Kane,VlCe-Chair.Gaspar Perricone.James Pribyl.John Singletary,Chair Mark Smith,Secretary.James Vigil.Dean Wingfield.Michelle Zimmerman Ex Officio Members:Mike King and John Salazar