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Doc Date:12/11/2001 IIIIIIIII'll III <br />sss <br />,5/~ 4.7 FISH AID WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT <br />~\ <br />I !~' <br />Measures to mitigate the effects of mining on wildlife were derived after <br />reviewing the mining and reclamation plans to assess their potential impacts on fish <br />and wildlife. Background information on the fish and wildlife included: (I) one year <br />of baseline data collection to determine habitat utilization by species and season, (2) <br />observation of fish and wildlife responses to the present mining and reclamation <br />activities, (3) wildlife observations by mine personnel over a long period of time, and <br />(4) current knowledge of fish and wildlife responses to mining activities. <br />The Edna Mine has been in existence for many years and many species of <br />wildlife have apparently adjusted to the presence of the mine. In some instances, <br />wildlife appear to have benefited from mining. Observations recorded during the <br />baseline studies (Section 2.7) show high use of some of the previously mined areas by <br />elk, deer and raptors. 11 appears that the forage available on the grasslands <br />established by reclamation in combination with nearby cover in undisturbed areas <br />(particularly aspen and mountain shrub communities) have benefited many species of <br />wildlife. The revegetation plans for the areas To be mined (Section 4.4) show the <br />establishment of cover within the reclaimed areas (Exhibit 4.4-I). Ultimately when <br />the reclaimed vegetation becomes established, the Moffat Area and West Ridge will <br />be capable of supporting more wildlife than they do now. <br />The fisheries on both Trout Creek and Oak Creek do not appear to have suffered <br />as the result of mining (Section 2.7.2.3). Since mining will not encroach on either <br />stream (Exhibit 3.3-5) and water quality will not change substantially, (Section 2.5.3), <br />the fisheries should not be noticeably affected by further mining. In foci, if the <br />assumptions behind the sedimentation control regulations are correct, they should <br />improve as the result of the decreased sediment load reaching the stream due to <br />sediment ponds installed in accordance with the designs shown in Section 4.6.1. <br />No threatened or endangered species have been found within the permit <br />boundary. As noted in Section 2.7.2.1 greater sandhill cranes,~which are considered <br />endangered by the state of Colorado, have been seen in the vicinity of the mine, but <br />are not known to vse the permit area. Golden eagles, were only infrequently observed <br />near the mine and do not nest in the area since there are no suitable nesting sites. <br />Nonetheless, powerlines will be designed and constructed in accordance with the <br />regulations protecting eagles and other large birds (Section 3.6.1.2). <br />Portions of the Moffat Area are used by deer for fawning and by blue grouse for <br />breeding and brood rearing (Exhibit 2.7-2). During mining, the mining pits may act <br />4.7- I <br />