2013-04-18_PERMIT FILE - C2009087A (3)

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RULE 2 - PERMITS The USFWS has federally listed one terrestrial vertebrate species and four aquatic vertebrate • species in Routt County (USFWS 2008). The Canada lynx (Lynx Canadensis) is listed as threatened and the bonytail chub (Gila elegans), Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), humpback chub (Gila cypah), and the razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) are listed as endangered. No federal threatened or endangered species were documented during the 2008 baseline wildlife surveys. It is unlikely any of the five species would occur in the PSCM permit area are described in further detail below. The USFWS has federally listed one terrestrial vertebrate species and four aquatic vertebrate species in Routt County (USFWS 2008). The Canada lynx (Lynx Canadensis) is listed as threatened and the bonytail chub (Gila elegans), Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), humpback chub (Gila cypah), and the razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) are listed as endangered. No federal threatened or endangered species were documented during the 2008 baseline wildlife surveys. It is unlikely any of the five species would occur in the permit area due to the lack of suitable habitat (Table 2.04.11 46). There is federally designated Critical Habitat along the Yampa River for bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, and razorback sucker. These fish species may be impacted in downstream reaches of the Yampa River system if actions at PSCM result in consumptive use of water or effects on water quality. Such action could require mitigation to be coordinated with USFWS. Three special status species are known to occur in the permit area: bald eagle, Columbian sharp- tailed grouse, and greater sandhill crane. The bald eagle is listed as state threatened. Two subadult bald eagles were observed in the permit area in June 2008. It is unlikely that bald eagles nest or roost in the permit area due to the lack of large trees, but the species may use the area for foraging. The closest known bald eagle nest and winter roost sites are on the Yampa River, approximately 3.2 miles and 2.8 miles north of the permit area, respectively (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). Columbian sharp- tailed grouse is a state species of special concern. As discussed in previous paragraphs. in this section, the species is known to use the permit area (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). The permit area encompasses nine lek sites, none of which are located in the PSCM surface disturbance area. Short-term habitat loss could occur but would be limited to small areas where the surface facilities are planned. Appropriate reclamation would likely restore any habitat for use by the Columbian sharp- tailed grouse because: the species is known to use reclaimed mining areas. Greater sandhill crane is a state species of special concern and is known to nest in the permit area (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). Further detail on the greater sandhill cranes in the permit area is provided in previous paragraphs in this section of the permit application. Nest sites and other observations were not located in or near the surface disturbance area; therefore, the greater sandhill crane is not expected to be impacted by the mine development. In addition to the above mentioned special status species the following other special status species • have potential to occur in the permit area based on habitat requirements but do not have any known occurrences documented. These include one amphibian, four birds, one mammal, and one reptile as follows: northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -171 06/15/09