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

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RULE 2 - PERMITS No pronghorn were observed during the �N inter aerial big game surveys in January of 2009. Prollollorn have been observed 111 the area during other wildlife SLII'veyS In the spring and sllllliller seasons su-_,csting that there slay be greater proiiohorn use within the big gaille survey area over all annual period than x�hat was indicated by the January 2009 sllrvev (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1. Fish and Wildlife hilorinatioll). Ilo\levc'r, pronghoril are gcilerally Liilcoilnnori ill the permit area overall dine to the elevation and vegctatioll cover types. Upland Game Birds All kno\\ n C011linblall sharp - talled grouse and greatcr sagc- `.'_rouse leks within one mile of the perllllt area were monitored ill 2008 to gather baseline data for the PSC1\I permit application. These Icks have been monitored annual 1), since 1996 (or since the }' were first discovered) for the Seneca II and Yoast Mines permit requirements. SLirvc }'s for all\' new grouse leks within One Illlle of the permit area were also conducted in 2008. These efforts were concentrated in potential lek habitat (level to rolling grasslands and sagebrush - grasslands). and sites where historical grouse observations (including non - displaying grouse) had been documented in past years. For further details on grouse survey methods see Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1. Fish and Wildlife Information. Columbian sharp- tailed grouse -- The entire permit area is designated by CPW as Columbian sharp- tailed grouse winter range and the majority of the permit area as production areas. The PSCM surface disturbance area is designated by CPW as winter range and production areas (CPW, 2008a) (Map 2.04.11 -M3, Wildlife Information - Grouse). The following 10 Columbian sharp - tailed grouse leks are known to occur within one mile of the permit area: • Seneca 1, 2. 3. and 4; • Yoast Mine Road: • Trousdale (includes Trousdale Satellite), • Fifer: and • Annan's Twentymile 1, 2, and 3. Of these, nine leks occur within the actual PSCM permit area boundary. The Trousdale Satellite lek is located outside the permit boundary. (Map 2.04.11 -M3, Wildlife Information - Grouse). All 10 leks have been monitored annually since 1996 (or since they were first discovered) at both the Seneca I1 and Yoast Mines. These leks were also monitored in the spring of 2008 to acquire baseline data for preparing the permit. Table 2.04.11 -T1 presents count data on all 10 leks and their historic activity through 2008 (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). Four of the Columbian sharp- tailed grouse leks (Seneca 1, 2, 3, and 4) are located within the reclaimed grasslands associated with the Seneca II Mine and five of the leks (Annan's 1, 2, 3; Fifer; and Trousdale (plus Trousdale Satellite lek) exist within the CRP lands adjacent to the Yoast Mine. The lek locations in the CRP habitat were relatively devoid of any vertical vegetative cover and the grouse were widely scattered throughout the area. The remaining lek ( Yoast Mine Road) is located in a sparse shrubland (primarily sagebrush) habitat (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). Midterm Review 2.04 -154 Revision 04/20U