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XVI. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Factors - Rule 4.18 <br />The Permit was found to be in compliance with Rule 4.18. <br />Descriptions of fish and wildlife resources are contained in Section 2.04.11 of the PAP. The fish <br />and wildlife portion of the reclamation plan is in Section 2.05. Other wildlife related information <br />is contained in Section 4.18, Exhibit 11 and Maps 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 15 and 15A. <br />With the expansion of mining into the South Taylor area, the Colorado Division of Parks and <br />Wildlife expressed concerns regarding the re- establishment of mountain shrub and aspen <br />communities, varying topsoil replacement depths to increase diversity, and developing snow <br />holding sites (letter dated July 5, 2007). These concerns were addressed in TR -72 (approved <br />June 2009) and in TR -84 (approved July 2011). <br />A. Deer and Elk <br />Colowyo has worked closely with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife in developing <br />wildlife and range condition inventories for the Mine as well as a deer and elk habitat mitigation <br />plan. The entire permit area is designated as winter range for both mule deer and elk. <br />B. Sage Grouse <br />A sage grouse mitigation plan is in the PAP. Mitigation measures include elimination of grazing <br />in the permit area and reduction of grazing in adjacent lands. As described in other sections of <br />this document, with TR -82 Colowyo provided a detailed plan for the variable replacement depth <br />of topsoil on the backfilled and re- graded portions of the West Pit and South Taylor Pit. Related <br />to the variable topsoil, Colowyo designed a seeding program whereas flatter slopes were seeded <br />to sagebrush steppe, which is known to enhance Sage Grouse habitat. <br />C. Golden Eagles and Other Raptors <br />Several species of raptors were observed by contractor personnel (VTN, Colorado, Inc.) during <br />baseline data collection in 1974 -1977; many were year -round residents (Section 2.04.11). <br />Golden eagle nests were sighted along Good Spring Creek within the permit area. Raptor <br />sightings are shown on Maps 15 and 15A of the PAP. Limited surveys have been conducted <br />since 1977. <br />Electric power poles located within the permit area are constructed to minimize potential <br />electrical hazards to large raptors. Persistent pesticides are not be used on the mine site. <br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 2012 <br />Permit Renewal 06 Page 152 <br />