2013-04-18_PERMIT FILE - C2009087 (5)

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The historic primary land use in this region and in the permit area was the grazing of livestock on • native rangeland and the utilization of associated habitat by wildlife (Seneca II Mining and Reclamation Plan Tab 13 — Post - Mining Land Use). Following the initiation of mining activities on the eastern side of the PSCM permit area, the land use was temporarily changed to mining. That use has reverted back to grazing of livestock on reclaimed lands and the utilization of associated habitat by wildlife. The following discussion summarizes the historic land uses for the PSCM permit area including the surface facilities and portal area: Livestock Grazing of Native Rangeland - Cattle and sheep grazing on privately -owned lands or through State grazing leases has been the primary historic land use on the PSCM permit area including the proposed surface disturbance area. State grazing leases are prominent in the surface disturbance area. Historic grazing pressure had been higher than desirable and management underemphasized with a consequent deterioration in range condition. In the past, stocking rates had not been specified on State grazing leases (Seneca II Mining and Reclamation Plan Tab 13 — Post - Mining Land Use). Wildlife Habitat and Utilization of Native Rangeland - The PSCM permit area is located in a region that is utilized by a variety of wildlife species. The three primary vegetation types present were sagebrush, mountain brush, and aspen which provided food and cover habitat for many of the wildlife species year- round. Of particular interest was the use of the area by big game, upland game birds, and raptors. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) identified the general vicinity of the PSCM permit area as a production area and winter range for mule deer and elk. The region was also designated as general distribution areas for greater sage - grouse and Columbian sharp- tailed • grouse. Raptors were also present in the area. Other species of importance in the region included greater sandhill cranes. Historically, the PSCM permit area provided a variety of habitat for many wildlife species common to northwestern Colorado. Studies and observations indicated utilization of the area by big game and other wildlife species was common throughout the year (Seneca II Mining and Reclamation Plan Tab 13 — Post - Mining Land Use). Following the cessation of mining operations in 1999, the Seneca II Mine was reclaimed to vegetation communities to support the post -mine land uses of livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. The reclaimed vegetation communities support livestock and wildlife dietary requirements, particularly for elk and mule deer (Seneca II Mining and Reclamation Plan Tab 13 — Post - Mining Land Use), and habitat for a variety of small mammal and avian species including Columbian sharp- tailed grouse. Previous Minim Approximately 75 percent (175 acres) of the proposed PSCM surface disturbance area has been affected by the Seneca II Mine. The Seneca II Mine was a surface mine that utilized draglines to uncover the coal. Coal was loaded into haul trucks and transported off site. The Wadge seam was mined with 90 percent recovery rates. Coal was mined from the outcrop area to a cover height of approximately 100 feet after which surface mining methods were considered uneconomic. The Seneca II Mine operated from 1968 to 1999. • Following the cessation of the surface mining operations in 1999, reclamation efforts where taken to rehabilitate the mine to historic uses. The primary historic land use was rangeland, including PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -6 Revision 12/17/09