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B. Sage Grouse <br />A sage grouse mitigation plan starts on page 2.05 -69 of the Permit. Mitigation measures include <br />elimination of grazing in the permit area, reduction of grazing in adjacent Colowyo lands, and <br />rejuvenation of decadent shrub vegetation. The latter practice was discontinued in 1987. Seeding <br />of mountain big sagebrush has been required, since the approval of TR -52, in 2002. <br />Sagebrush- steppe community establishment and enhancement is included in the reclamation <br />plan. Colowyo proposes to avoid known sage grouse and sharp -tail grouse leks. CCC has <br />proposed measures for improved shrub establishment on all future reclamation units and focused <br />efforts on sage grouse brood rearing habitat. <br />Specific to the Collom expansion area, after section 7 consultation recommendations by OSM <br />and USFWS, Stipulation 15 has been added to the permit. <br />STIPULATION 15: <br />IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RECOMMENDATION BY USFWS (BIOLOGIC OPINION <br />DATED OCTOBER 30, 2012), COLOWYO IS REQUIRED TO MARK WIRE FENCING <br />NEAR AREAS OF HIGH GROUSE USAGE IN CONSULTATION WITH COLORADO <br />DIVISION OF PARKS AND WILDLIFE. <br />C. Golden Eagles and Other Raptors <br />Several species of raptors were observed by VTN, Colorado, Inc. (contractor) personnel during <br />baseline data collection in 1974 -1977; many were year -round residents (page 2.04.11 -1, Permit). <br />Golden eagle nests were sighted along Goodspring Creek within the permit area. Raptor <br />sightings are shown on Map 15 of the Permit. Limited surveys have been conducted 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 />Colowyo will also avoid raptor nesting areas. <br />D. Specific Findings Required by Rule 4.18 <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post - mining land use. The Applicant has selected <br />appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife [Rule 4.18(4)(I)]. <br />Colowyo Coal Mine C1981 -019 PR -03 68 April 10, 2013 <br />