APPENDIXD9 - WILDLIFE

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised, February, 1998)

TABLE OF CONTENTS WILDLIFE INVENTORY

Page

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................. D9-1

1.1 Description Of The Study Area ................................... D9-1

1.2 Persons Consulted ............................................ D9-2

2. HABITAT DESCRIPTION ........................................... D9-3

3. SPECIES LISTS ................................................... D9-5

4. M ETHOD S ....................................................... D 9-6

4.1 File Searches ................................................ D 9-6

4.2 Field Surveys ................................................ D 9-6

5. RESULTS ........................................................ D 9-7

5.1 Big G am e ................................................... D 9-7

5.2 Other M ammals .............................................. D9-8 5.3 Upland Game Birds ........................................... D9-8

5.4 W aterfowl and Shorebirds ...................................... D9-8 5.5 R aptors .................................................... D 9-9

5.6 Passerine Birds .............................................. D9-10

5.7 Migratory Birds of High Federal Interest (MBHF) ................... D9-10

5.8 Threatened or Endangered Species (T&E) and State-listed Rare Species ................................... D9-10

5.9 Reptiles and Amphibians ....................................... D9-11 5.10 Fish ...................................................... D 9-11

6. IM PACTS ....................................................... D 9-12

7. MITIGATION AND MONITORING .................................. D9-14

8. CONCLUSION ................................................... D9-15

REFERENCES ......................................................... D9-16

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February 1998)

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure D9-1.

Figure D9-2.

Table D9-1.

Table D9-2.

Table D9-3.

Table D9-4.

K Table D9-5.

Table D9-6.

Table D9-7.

Pronghorn Ranges for the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area, 1996 D9-17

Mule Deer Ranges on the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area, 1996.. D9-18

LIST OF TABLES

Tabular Summary of Wildlife Habitat/ Vegetation Types and Amount of Each Type to be Disturbed ......................................... D9-19

Big Game Observations on the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area in 1992, 1993 and 1996 ......................................... D9-20

Sage Grouse Strutting Ground Counts for the Lek Located in the SE4 of Section 19 and the NE4 of Section 30 T33N R89W .......................... D9-21

Raptor Nest Site Locations for the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area, 1992-1993 ................. D9-22

Additional Raptor Nest Sites Identified on the Expanded Portions and Buffer for the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area in 1994 ................. D9-26

Additional Raptor Nests Observed on the 1996 Expanded Portions and Buffer Portion of the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area 1992-1996 ....................................... D9-27

Additional Raptor Nests Observed on the

Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area in 1997 ...................... D9-29

ADDENDA

ADDENDUM D9A Wildlife Species List ADDENDUM D9B WG&FD Wildlife Observations

PLATES

D9-1 Wildlife Map

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permfit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February 1998)

APPENDIX D9 - WILDLIFE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Description Of The Study Area

Power Resources Inc. contracted Intermountain Resources to complete wildlife inventories on the Gas Hills Project Area in 1996 and in 1997. Intermountain Resources has previously completed wildlife inventories within the study area in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Results of the previous investigations are incorporated herein. Specific survey dates are referenced throughout this report. These inventories were designed to provide data necessary for the

acquisition of in-situ uranium mining permits for the area. Data collection efforts included searches of state and federal agency files and detailed field surveys for selected species.

Issues of major concern included threatened and endangered species (T&E), migratory birds of high federal interest (MBHFI), raptors, sage grouse strutting grounds, and important big game ranges.

The type of mining operation proposed will be in situ leaching using a network of injection and recovery wells. This type of mining causes far less disturbance than open pit or strip mining methods. Therefore, environmental impacts on most wildlife species are less. The entire Permit Area covers approximately 8500 acres.

The Gas Hills Project is located in the Gas Hills Mining District, approximately 45 miles east of Riverton, Wyoming. The Permit Area is located in portions of Fremont and Natrona Counties. Specifically, the proposed permit area is located in Sections

21,22,27,28,29,31,32,33, and 34 T33N R89W, Section 6 T32N R89W, and Sections 1,2,3,10,11 and 12 T32N R9OW as shown on the attached map. The map also displays the

entire study area which includes the Permit Area and an additional one half mile perimeter (one mile for selected species as discussed in the results).

The dominant vegetation type within the study area is sagebrush shrublands interspersed with

a mixture of upland grassland. Also included in the study area are rough breaks, rock outcrops, land disturbed by mining and reclaimed mining areas. Elevation ranges from 6700 feet to 7400 feet. Topography is highly variable and ranges from rolling plains to steep hillsides and short cliffs along the Beaver Divide. Numerous small ephemeral drainages dissect the area. Several mature cottonwood trees are found on the upper portion of West Canyon Creek, while scattered junipers, limber pines, and aspen trees occur along the Beaver Divide and in the northeastern portion of the study area.

Perennial water sources within the study area are scarce. Waters associated with mining

activities include mine pits and sediment control structures. Cameron Spring Reservoir, located in the Peach area of the study area, was almost dry at the time of the November 1992 field survey, but had water throughout 1993. Water was also observed in this reservoir

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 1

during late September of 1996. The only perennial stream reach in the study area is within Canyon Creek (See Appendix D6).

Land ownership of the study area is dominated by the BLM. Some small parcels of land under private ownership and others belonging to the State of Wyoming are also found in the area.

1.2 Persons Consulted

All field surveys and reporting specific to this project were completed by Mr. Jim Orpet of

Intermountain Resources. Personnel contacted within the Wyoming Game and Fish

Department included Bob Luce (1992), Andrea Cerovski (1992), Pat Deibert (1996) and Pat Hnilicka (1996). Art Anderson (1992), Ron Clemonson (1996) and Kim Dickerson (1996)

with USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were contacted. Bureau of Land

Management personnel interviewed were Jack Welch (1992) and Sue Oberlie (1992, 1996).

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality-Land Quality Division Personnel contacted

included Mark Moxley (1992, 1996) and Steve Platt (1992, 1996).

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 2

2. HABITAT DESCRIPTION

The Permit Area is predominantly shrublands with a small amount of upland grassland scattered throughout. Other habitat or land use types include, reclaimed mining areas, unreclaimed mine disturbances, small seeps, small rock outcrops and ponds. The shrublands were divided into four different types: mixed sagebrush-grass, rough breaks shrublands, bottomland sagebrush and scattered pine-rough breaks shrublands. Table D9-1 provides acreages for these habitat and land use units. Appendix D8 (Vegetation) discusses the major vegetation types in detail.

The mixed sagebrush-grass habitat is generally found on flat to rolling hills areas. Big sagebrush is the dominant species followed by western wheatgrass and cusick bluegrass.

The rough breaks shrublands are found on areas with relatively steep slopes. This habitat type has significantly less vegetation cover than the mixed sagebrush grass type. Dominant shrub

species are big sagebrush and black sagebrush while bluebunch wheatgrass is the most common perennial grass.

The bottomland sagebrush type is found on lowlands and along ephemeral or intermittent drainages. Big sagebrush is the dominant species followed by western wheatgrass and sandberg bluegrass.

Scattered pine-rough break shrubland habitats are found within the rough breaks type on relatively steep slopes. Limber pines are scattered throughout these areas with big sagebrush and black sagebrush as the dominant shrubs and bluebunch wheatgrass the most abundant perennial grass.

Upland grasslands are generally encountered on flat areas or small bench and ridgetops. Dominant plant species are threadleaf sedge, western wheatgrass and birdsfoot sagewort.

Reclaimed areas are generally found in the eastern portion of the permit area (i.e., Buss and Pix areas). These areas are sites of past uranium mining activities, and dominant vegetation established is primarily wheatgrass species.

Disturbed lands are primarily in the eastern portion of the permit area but some sites also

existed in the far western portion. These areas have been affected by past uranium mining activities.

Small seeps were generally observed at the base of the Beaver Divide. All of these sites

exhibited lush vegetation comprised of rushes and perennial grasses. Two springs were observed which discharge a measureable amount of water. These were Cameron Spring and the upper West Canyon Creek spring. These springs are discussed in greater detail in

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 3

Appendix D6 - Hydrology. Surface water discharge, originating from the West Canyon Creek spring, was observed flowing for almost two miles in late September of 1996 as shown

on Plate D9-1.

Small rock outcrops were confined to small areas along Beaver Rim as shown on Plate D9-1.

These areas were composed primarily of low cliffs or rock ledges.

Ponds within the study area consisted of several stockponds, mine-related sediment control

structures, existing mine pits and reclaimed mine pits which have been permitted by WDEQ

to remain as postmine reclamation features. Cameron Springs was the only stockpond feature

that consistently retained water. Most of the reclaimed mine reservoirs contained water

throughout the year.

Details of major habitat/vegetation types and mapping are included in Appendix D8

(Vegetation). Minor habitat type locations not included in that Appendix, are shown on Plate

D9-1. No crucial or critical habitats as defined by WG&FD and USFWS respectively, were

identified within the permit or adjacent areas.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas 1lilIs Project WDEQ-LQD Perfiit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 4

3. SPECIES LISTS

A list of wildlife species that may potentially occur on the Permit Area is provided in

Addendum D9A. All species that were actually observed on the permit or adjacent area are

indicated on the list with an asterisk. Representatives of WG&FD have agreed that this level

of species documentation is sufficient for their approval. Therefore, WG&FD wildlife

observation forms were not required ( P. Deibert, WG & FD pers. comm. Oct. 1996).

Power Resources, Inc. Gas [tills Project WDEQ-LQD Permii to Minc Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 5

4. METHODS

File searches and field surveys were the basis of data collection for this inventory. These

methods will be described in the following sections.

4.1 File Searches

File searches were the initial sources for data collection. Data regarding raptor nest sites, sage grouse leks, prairie dog towns, big game ranges, and T & E species were obtained from

the Lander offices of the BLM and WG&FD. WG&FD publications and computerized

Wildlife Observation System were also reviewed. U.S. Fish and Wildlife service publications

and field data were also reviewed.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality - Land Quality Division (WDEQ-LQD) was contacted to evaluate available data from existing mine permits and Abandoned Mined

Land (AML) studies completed in the area. A copy of an AML study (Mountain West, 1990)

completed in 1990 that covered the entire Power Resources study area was obtained form the

WDEQ - Abandoned Drill Hole Program. That study was used as an initial survey reference

for the area for T&E Plant and Animal species, Migratory Birds of High Federal Interest

(MBHFI), and raptor nest sites.

4.2 Field Surveys

Field surveys of the study area were completed from November 2 to 5 of 1992, April 28 to

May 1, June 16 to 19, and August 30 to September I of 1993. Additional surveys were

completed July 7 to 9 and September 17 to 19, 1994 and September 23-25, 1996 primarily

to cover the new areas proposed for the permit area and appropriate buffer for those areas.

Areas previously inventoried were resurveyed during April and May, 1997. These surveys

were designed to locate any T & E species, or habitat for those species (ie: prairie dog towns,

nest sites, etc.), MBHFI species, document raptor nest sites, big game, sage grouse strutting grounds and record any wildlife species or their sign observed. These surveys were

completed by traversing the area and suitable habitat in a four-wheel drive vehicle, ATV, and

on foot. Binoculars (9X35) and a spotting scope (16X48) were used for observations.

Specific survey methods for individual species or groups of species are included in the results sections for those species.

Power Resources, litc. Gas Ilills Project WDEQ-LQD Pemiit to Minc Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 -6

5. RESULTS

The following sections provide the results of the file searches and field inventories. Pertinent figures, tables, and maps are included with this report. Addendum D9A provides a list of wildlife species which have the potential for occurring on the study area. Addendum D9B includes a computer printout from the WG&FD Wildlife Observation System of wildlife species that they have recorded on the area. The WG&FD determined that the 1992 computer printout was sufficient, and 1996 update not required.

5.1 Big Game

Specific big game surveys were completed during seasonal survey periods. These surveys were completed on the ground during one day within each survey period by traveling the roads within the study area. Periodic stops were made at appropriate vantage points to scan the terrain with optics in search of big game animals. The survey route is shown on Plate D91 and allowed good inspection of the entire permit area and one half mile perimeter. The one half mile perimeter was deemed sufficient by the WG&FD (P. Deibert, Pers. Comm. Oct. 1996). Counts were only made in one direction oftravel and not when backtracking to avoid double counts.

Pronghom and mule deer were the only big game animals recorded for the study area. Field surveys in 1992-1996 and the WG&FD observations in Addendum D9B indicate that pronghorn are the most common species in the area. Results of specific big games surveys on the study area are shown in Table D9-2. Pronghorn generally frequented habitats dominated by big sagebrush while mule deer frequented rough breaks and sagebrush habitats.

Pronghorn use of the area, as determined by the BLM and WG&FD, is shown on Figure D91. Most of the proposed permit area is classified as spring-summer-fall range and the remainder is yearlong use. Pronghorn winter-yearlong range and crucial winter ranges are located several miles north and west of the area. Mule deer use of the area is mapped on Figure D9-2. Most of the proposed permit area consists of yearlong range while portions on the north and west boundaries are winter-yearlong and spring-summer-fall range is located in the southeast. Crucial mule deer winter ranges occur several miles north of the area.

The study area is located within portions of the WG&FD Sweetwater Mule Deer Herd Unit (Hunt Areas 96 and 97) and the Beaver Rim Mule Deer Herd Unit (Hunt Area 90). The 1995 post-hunt population estimates were from 7500-9500 and 500-1000 animals for the Sweetwater and Beaver Rim Mule Deer Herd Units, respectively (WG&FD, 1996). All potential surface disturbances will be within the Beaver Rim Male Deer Herd Unit.

The Sweetwater Antelope Herd Unit (Hunt Areas 68,69 and 106) and Fremont Antelope Herd Unit (Hunt Areas 65,66,67, and 74) were represented within the study area. These units

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 7

were recently combined into one herd unit with the 1995 post-hunt population estimated at

from 14000-16000 animals (WG&FD, 1996). All potential disturbances will be within the

Fremont Antelope Herd Unit.

5.2 Other Mammals

Specific surveys for other mammals (i.e. small mammal trapping, lagomorph surveys, predator

surveys) were not required for this project as agreed upon with the WG&FD (P. Deibert,

WG&FD, pers.comm.oct.1996). However, all mammal species, or their sign, observed

during the course of other field work were recorded and are documented with an asterisk on

the species list in Addendum D9A. A total of 14 other mammal species were recorded on the

study area. The most common species observed were the Wyoming ground squirrel and least

chipmunk. The coyote was the most abundant predator while lagomorph populations were

still low and had not recovered from the crash in the early 1990's. The entire permit area and

one mile perimeter were searched for prairie dog towns but none were found. Searches

revealed the nearest prairie dog town was located over one mile north of the permit area and

was occupied by white-tailed prairie dogs. The majority of mammal species were observed

in the various habitat types dominated by big sagebrush.

5.3 Upland Game Birds

Sage grouse strutting ground surveys were completed at dawn over three mornings on April

29-30 and May 1 of 1993. Additional surveys were completed in April, 1997 covering the

entire permit area. Known strutting grounds were inventoried and the entire permit and one

half-mile buffer were also searched for additional strutting grounds. Surveys were completed

by traversing the area and stopping periodically to glass potential strutting ground sites and

listen for strutting birds.

Mourning doves and sage grouse were the only upland game birds noted for the area.

Mourning doves are migrants which only inhabit the area from spring into early fall. Sage

grouse may inhabit the area year long. A strutting ground has been located north of the

Permit Area on the border of Section 30 and Section 19, T33N, R89W (Plate D9-1). This

lek was noted in file searches and counts are shown in Table D9-3. The lowest number of

birds recorded was three males in 1996. No other leks are known to exist within or adjacent

to the study area and the 1993 surveys did not record any new active strutting grounds. Sage

grouse were observed during other survey periods but did not appear to be abundant in the

area. All sage grouse were recorded in association with sagebrush shrublands.

5.4 Waterfowl and Shorebirds

Specific surveys were not conducted for waterfowl and shorebirds as agreed upon with the

WG&FD. All such species recorded during other surveys were designated on the species hist.

Habitat for these species is not abundant in the study area and consists primarily of ponds

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 8

created by mining and several small stockponds. Most of the seeps do not discharge an

adequate quantity of water to support waterbird habitat. A total of 10 waterfowl species and

five shorebirds were observed during surveys. All species recorded are common to the

region.

5.5 Raptors

Raptor nest searches were conducted on the ground over suitable habitats during all survey

periods in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997. Searches generally extended at least one mile

from the permit boundary. Nesting activities and production were determined in June of 1992

and early July of 1994 for selected nest sites. Nest site activity and production surveys were

completed so as not to cause excessive disturbance to nesting birds. In some cases,

production could not be determined due to inaccessibility of nest sites and the prolonged

disturbance that would have been required to make those determinations. Agency files were

also reviewed to obtain additional information regarding raptors inhabiting the area.

File searches identified only five previously documented raptor nests within the study area.

These nest sites are identified in Tables D9-4, D9-5, D9-6 and on the attached map as FH-4b,

FH-7a, FH-12, FH-14 and GHO-1. Nest site FH-4b was listed in agency files as unknown,

with no past history. Based on field surveys completed in 1993, this nest site was used by

ferruginous hawks. Nest site GHO-1 is located in a reclaimed area and consists of a man

made pole structure. This site was placed for mitigation of a great homed owl nest removed

during reclamation of mining facilities. Site FH-7a was located within a mine disturbance

(Pathfinder's Lucky Mc Mine). Site FH-12 is located in a limber pine and FH-14 on a rock

outcrop.

A total of 59 new raptor nest sites have been identified by Intermountain Resources during

the 1992-1996 field surveys. Overall, nest sites identified included eight red-tailed hawk nests

representing six pairs of birds, 49 ferruginous hawk nests representing 17 territories, three

golden eagle nests of two pairs, three prairie falcon nests and one great homed owl nest.

Tables D9-4, D9-5, D9-6, and D9-7 provide the status of these nest sites for different survey

periods as known. Production was recorded for red-tailed hawks and ferruginous hawks,

while production of the active prairie falcon aerie was undetermined. The golden eagle and

great homed owls failed to produce young.

The golden eagle nest on the highwall of the Buss Pit was caged in 1993 under permits from

the USFWS and WG&FD to enable reclamation activities to proceed (nest site GE-2a in the

table and on the map). This pair has an alternate nest site (GE-2b) and suitable highwalls

were to be left during reclamation. Suitable highwalls are also found on permanently reclaimed areas adjacent to the site.

Several other raptor species were recorded within the study area but nesting was not

documented. These species included the Swainson's hawk, rough-legged hawk, bald eagle

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 9

and turkey vulture. The marsh hawk and American Kestrel were also recorded and

undoubtedly nest in the area, however, specific nest sites were not recorded.

5.6 Passerine Birds

Specific surveys for passerine bird species were not required as agreed upon with the WG&FD (P. Deibert, WG&FD, Pers. Comm. Oct. 1996). However, all such species observed during the course of field work were recorded and are documented with an asterisk on the species list in Addendum D9A_ A total of 33 other bird species were recorded during surveys. The most common species were the homed lark, vesper sparrow and meadowlark. Most passerine species were recorded in the various sagebrush shrublands which dominate the permit area. However, the best diversity of bird species was observed in the scattered pine - rough breaks shrublands due to the high diversity of plant species and topography.

5.7 Migratory Birds of High Federal Interest (MBHFM)

MBHFI and other wildlife species surveys were completed during all site visits. This was accomplished by searching all suitable or potentially suitable habitats and recording any species encountered.

Several MBHFI species are known to occur in the region and include the bald eagle, golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, burrowing owl, mountain plover, and loggerhead shrike. The golden eagle, bald eagle, ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, and loggerhead shrike have been documented in the study area while the mountain plover and burrowing owl have been noted in adjacent areas.

The bald eagle is a winter resident and migrates through the area but does not nest on the site. The golden eagle, ferruginous hawk and prairie falcon nest on the area and have been discussed in Section D9.5.5. Loggerhead shrikes probably nest in the area but active nest sites were not found.

Additional surveys were completed for mountain pluvers in April and May of 197. These surveys focused on grassland and sparse shrub habitats typically used by this species for nesting.

5.8 Threatened or Endangered Species (T&E) and State-listed Rare Species

T&E species and other wildlife species surveys were completed during all site visits. This was accomplished by searching all suitable habitats and recording any species encountered.

The bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and black-footed ferret are endangered species which may occur in the area. Nesting habitat does not exist within the study area for the bald eagle or peregrine falcon but they may inhabit the area during migration. Although the bald eagle has

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 10

been recorded in the study area, winter concentrations and roost areas have not been documented. Golden eagles nest in the area and are also protected along with the bald eagle.

Prairie dog towns provide habitat for black-footed ferrets. Active prairie dog towns were not observed within the study area, although active towns are known to exist within several miles. These towns were inhabited by white-tailed prairie dogs and are located over one mile north of the study area as shown on Plate D9-1. The small size and wide spacing of prairie dog

towns in the region would make survival of black-footed ferret populations difficult.

A ferret survey was completed in 1994 on 550 acres of white-tailed prairie dog towns located three to five miles northwest of the permit area. This survey was submitted to, and approved by the USFWS. The survey reported no evidence of ferrets.

No state listed species, other than those species already discussed previously in this report, were recorded on the study area.

5.9 Reptiles and Amphibians

Specific surveys for reptiles and amphibians were not required for this project as agreed upon with the WG&FD (P. Deibert, WG&FD, Pers. Comm. Oct. 1996). Several species were observed as noted in Addendum D9A and included the sagebrush lizard, short-homed lizard, garter snake and leopard frog.

5.10 Fish

Natural habitats for fish species do not exist within the study area.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 11

6. IMPACTS

Crucial or critical wildlife habitats have not been documented on the permit or adjacent areas. A few big game animals may be displaced during mining activities. However, based upon premine density estimates, this would only be 20-30 pronghorn and one or two mule deer. However, based upon long term monitoring at large coal mines, these species readily adapt to mining activities and utilize disturbed sites and newly reclaimed areas.

A sage grouse strutting ground is located about one mile north of the permit area and should not be impacted. Individual birds may be disturbed and a limited amount of nesting and foraging habitat will be affected.

Habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds is limited within the study area. These habitats are not expected to be impacted by mining but increased human activity may affect migrating and feeding birds.

Some nesting raptors will be affected although disturbances should not actually remove nest sites. Mining activities associated with the well fields, road useage and other operations could preclude the use of existing nest sites and force pairs to move or to alter their territories. Prey abundance will also be slightly altered due to removal of vegetation and soils.

Other bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species will be displaced from areas where vegetation and soils are removed. However, these disturbances will be minor with respect to the entire study area. Also, some of the well fields will be established in areas that have been previously disturbed by past mining activities. Impact to wildlife will also be reduced through the utilization of existing roads.

The only MBHFI species which will probably be impacted by this operation are raptor species and include the ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon and golden eagle. These species are all known to nest in the study area. Although nest sites will not be physically disturbed, surface activities related to in situ mining may impact some of the sites as previously discussed. The ferruginous hawk is the most common nesting MBHFI species while only one pair of golden eagles and one pair of prairie falcons have been recorded nesting on the study area in previous years. The loggerhead shrike generally nests in tall shrubs which are located along ephemeral drainages in the study area& Most of the anticipated disturbances should occur in uplands and not within drainages, so therefore, this species should be minimally impacted. The mountain plover should not be impacted since this species was not observed on site and very little upland grassland or sparse subshrub habitats exist on the area for this species.

T&E or other species of concern should not be impacted by this operation. The only T&E species observed was the bald eagle. This species is only a migrant to the area and should not be affected by the project. Prairie dog towns do not exist within one mile of the permit area,

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 12

therefore, habitat for black-footed ferrets is not present. Tall cliffs preferred for nesting peregrine falcons also do not exist on site so this species should not be impacted.

In general, the majority of the anticipated disturbances will occur within the sagebrush-grass habitat areas. Habitat types required by T&E or other species of concern either do not exist within the study area or are limited in extent and will not be disturbed.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas I tilts Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Minc Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 13

7. MITIGATION AND MONITORING

Impacted wildlife habitats will be mitigated following mining by establishing vegetation in

accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Rock outcrops, trees, seeps and ponds

should not be impacted, therefore, mitigation is not planned for those features. Raptor nest

sites will not be removed, however, temporary mitigation will be needed for nest sites where

operations are near enough to preclude successful reproduction. Mitigation will be carried

out as approved by the USFWS and WG&FD under the appropriate permits obtained from

those agencies. Proposed mitigation will include construction of alternate nest sites on

natural features (trees, rock outcrops, cliffs), on mine highwalls, or the erection of

appropriately sized nesting platforms. Fences, if needed, will be constructed to the required

WG&FD standards with approval from the WDEQ and BLM. Minimal fencing, if any, is

projected. Controlled speed limits will be implemented to reduce wildlife/vehicle collisions.

Employees will be educated about wildlife protection, sensitive species and game laws

through use of applicable publications and during safety meetings. The implementation of all

of the above commitments will help alleviate impacts to wildlife.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 14

8. CONCLUSION

This report provides wildlife baseline data for the Gas Hills Project Area. Investigated were big game, game birds, raptors, migratory birds of high federal interest, and threatened or endangered species. Threatened or endangered species have not been documented as having important habitat on the area. No crucial or critical wildlife habitats exist in the area. Numerous raptor nests exist on the study area and most of these nest sites belong to migratory birds of high federal interest. One sage grouse strutting ground is located about one mile north of the permit area. The limited amount of disturbance projected by this mining operation will have minimal impacts on most wildlife species. No crucial big game winter ranges or critical endangered species habitats will be affected but raptor nest sites will need to be protected and approved mitigation implemented as approved. Monitoring will be implemented as required by approved permits or at the discretion of the company as discussed in the mine plan.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Ilills Project WDEQ-LQD Periit 1 Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 15

REFERENCES

Baxter, G.T. and J.R. Simon, 1970. Wyoming Fishes, Bulletin No.4, Wyoming Game and Fish Department 168 pp.

Baxter, G.T. and M.D. Stone, 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of Wyoming. Wyoming Game and Fish Department 137 pp.

Clark, T.W. and M.R1 Stromberg, 1987. Mammals in Wyoming. Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas. 314 Pp.

Mountain West Environmental Services. 1990. Gas Hills Drill Hole Project, Threatened and Endangered Species and Migratory Birds.

University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources. 1996. Endangered Species Update.

USDI-Bureau of Land Management 1992, 1996. Lander District Office Personal Communication and Unpublished Data.

USDI-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Species.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 1992. Wyoming Bird and Mammal Atlas. Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 170 pp.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department 1996. 1995 Annual Big Game Herd Unit Reports. Wyoming Game and Fish Departments.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department 1992-1996. Personal Communication and Unpublished Data.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 16

Figure D9-1. Pronghorn Ranges for the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area, 1996.

CR - Crucial Winter Range WYL - Winter/Yearlong Range YRL - Yearlong Range SSF - Spring/Summer/Fall Range

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application

Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 17

Figure D9-2. Mule Deer Ranges on the Power Resourcs Gas Hills Project Area, 1996.

CR - Crucial Winter Range WYL - Winter/Yearlong Range YRL - Yearlong Range SSF - Spring/Summer/Fall Range

Power Resourcesý Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 18

Table D9-1. Tabular Summary of Wildlife HabitatlVegetation Types and Amount of

Each Type to be Disturbed

Permit Area Affected Area Habitat/Vegetation Acres % Acres %

Type

Mixed Sagebrush-Grass 4089 47.2 552 51.0

Rough Breaks West 569 7.0 29 2.7

Rough Breaks East 1512 18.7 216 20.0

Bottomland Sagebrush 991 10.8 93 8.6

Upland Grasslands 131 1.5 42 3.9

Reclaimed Mining Areas 844 10.3 98 9.0

Disturbed Land 319 3.9 41 3.8

Reservoirs 17 0.2 0 0.0

Wetlands 28 0.4 11* 1.0

TOTAL 8500 100.0 1082 100.0

• A wetland area crosses Mine Unit #4 and is within the area of potential disturbance. Actual

disturbance of the wetland area will be avoided wherever possible or mitigated as described in the Operations Plan.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 19

Table D9-2. Big Game Observations on the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area in 1992, 1993 and 1996.

Date/Species Habitat Type Total MSG RB BS UG R DI

11/5/92 Pronghorn 79 10 - - - 89 Mule Deer 10 2 2 -- 140

4/29/93 Pronghorn 96 6 22 - 12 136 Mule Deer - 4 - -- 4

6/17/93 Pronghorn 42 - - 2 10 54 Mule Deer 3 4 - - - 7

4/29/93 Pronghorn 52 6 12 3 73 Mule Deer - 8 - - - 8

9/23/96 Pronghorn 100 - 4 38 - 142 Mule Deer 10 - - - 10

MSG RB-

Mixed Sagebrush-Grass Rough Breaks

BS - Bottomland Sagebrush UG - Upland Grassland R - Reclaimed DI - Disturbed

Powcr Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Pcrmit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 20

Table D9-3. Sage Grouse Strutting Ground Counts for the Lek Located in the SE4 of

Section 19 and the NE4 of Section 30 T33N R89W.

Date # Male # Females

1982 65

4/19/891 8 0

4/03/90' 18 0

4/29/932 15 0

4/30/932 13 0

4/03/96' 3 0

4/04/972 6 0

1) WG&FD counts

2) Intermountain Resources counts

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Pcrmit to Minc Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 21

Table D9-4.

Raptor Nest Site Locations for the Power Resources Gas Hills Proiect Area, 1992-1993.

Species Location Nest Substrate Condition 1993 Activity

GE - Golden Eagle

NWSW Sec. II T32N R9OW

NWSW Sec.26 T33N R89W

NESW Sec.27 T33N R89W

Limber Pine

Limber Pine

Highwall

Good

Good

D--M

I

ALT

TOTAL 1,?,0

FH - Ferruginous Hawk

SWNE Sec.32 T33N R89W

NESE Sec.32 T33N R89W

NESE Sec.32 T33N R89W

NWSE Sec.32 T33N R89W

NWSE Sec.32 T33N R89W

Hilltop

Rock Outcrop

Hilltop

Hilltop

Hillside

Fair

Good

Good

Fair

Good

ALT

A,2,2

ALT

ALT

ALT

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Pcrmit to Mine Application

Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 22

GE-I

GE-2a

GE-2b

FH-1a

FH-lb

FH-lc,

FH-ld

FH-le

Table D9-4(continued)

lNJ~t q, 1h~tr~tP Cnrnzlitnn lQQ"• AdtivitvLILIJI-L * Q het sut nnlii-

FH- Ferruginous Hawk (continued) FH-2a SWSW Sec.34

T33N R89W

FH-2b SWSW Sec.34 T33N R89W

FH-2c SESE Sec.33 T33N R89W

FH-2d SESE Sec.33 T33N R89W

FH-2e SWSW Sec.34 T33N R89W

SENW Sec.33 T33N R89W

SENW Sec.33 T33N R89W

NENW Sec.33 T33N R89W

SWSW Sec.28 T33N R89W

NWSW Sec.28 T33N R89W

SWNW Sec.12 T32N R9OW

NWSW Sec. 12 T32N R9OW

NWSW Sec.21 T33N R89W

Power Resources, Inc. Appendix D9 - Wildlife

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Hillside

Hillside

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Hilltop

Hilltop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Limber Pine

Good

Good

Good

Fair

Fair

Good

Fair

Fair

Fair

Fair

Good

Good

Good

ALT

ALT

A,O,O

ALT

ALT

A,3,3

ALT

ALT

ALT

ALT

A,O,O

ALT

A,2,2

Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 23

FH-3a

FH-3b

FH-3c

FH-3d

FH-3e

FH-4a

FH-4b

FH-5a

v

t

Table D9-4 (continued)

Npct •uihg'r~mtp Cnnrltnn 1QQ� Activity

FH - Ferruginous Hawk (continued)

NWSW Sec.21 T33N R89W

SWSE Sec. 16 T33N R89W

NENW Sec.36 T33N R9OW

SENE Sec.34 T33N R89W

Hillside

Limber Pine

Highwall

Rock Outcrop

Poor

Good

Good

Good

ALT

A,2,2

A,3,3

I

TOTAL 7,12,12

RTH - Red-tailed Hawk

SENW Sec. 12 T32N R9OW

NESW Sec.34 T33N R89W

NESW Sec.34 T33N R89W

SESW Sec. 15 T33N R89W

NWNW Sec.26 T33N R89W

NESW Sec.21 T33N R89W

Power Resources, Inc. Appendix D9 - Wildlife

Dead Pine

Cottonwood

Cottonwood

Highwall

Limber Pine

Limber Pine

Good

Good

Good

Good

Fair

DN-1993

A,?,?

ALT

I

I

Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 24

T ,,j'otr�n

FH-5b

FH-6a

FH-7a

FH-8

RTH-1

RTH-2a

RTH-2b

RTH-3

RTH-4

RTH-5a

QJ!q-. qua W T ý,.+; n W,- IZIhetr§tt,- rn(fitign 1993 Activityv

i

Species Location

RTH - Red Tailed Hawk

RTH-5b NESW Sec.21 T33N R89W

Table D9-4 (continued)

Nest substrate Condition

Limber Pine Fair ALT

TOTAL 2,2,2

PF - Prairie Falcon

PF-1 SENW Sec.33 T33N R89W

Cliff Good A,?,?

GHO - Great Homed Owl

GHO-1 NESE Sec.32 Man-made Good T33N R89W Pole Structure

LEGEND

FI-2e - Ferruginous Hawk, Pair Number 2, Alternate Nest Site e

I - Inactive Nest Site

ALT - Alternate Nest Site

-DN 1993 - Nest Destroyed by Natural Causes in 1993

A,?,2 - A -Nest Active ? - Unknown Number Hatched 2 - Two Birds Fledged

D-M - Destroyed by Mining Reclamation

I

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Minc Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 25

1001 A^*ixY;+xi1OO"1 A z,,,t.;•z.•t.•t

Table D9-5. Additional Raptor Nest Sites Identified on the Expanded Portions and Buffer for

the Power Resources Gas Hills Proiect Area in 1994.

Species Location Nest Substrate Condition 1994 Activity

FH - Ferruginous Hawk

FH-6b NWSE Sec. 16 Limber Pine Good I T33N R89W (Man-Made)

FH-7b SWNW Sec.31 Hillside Fair I T33N R89W

FH-9 SESW Sec. 17 Hillside Poor I T33N R89W

FH-10a SWNE Sec.19 Hilltop Fair I T33N R89W

FH-10b NESW Sec.19 Hillside Fair I T33N R89W

FH-11a SWSE Sec.24 Rock Outcrop Good I T33N R9OW

FH-11b NESW Sec.24 Rock Outcrop Good I T33N R9OW

LEGEND

FH-7b - Ferruginous Hawk, Pair Number 7, Alternate Nest Site b.

I - Inactive Nest for Year Surveyed

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Pcrnit to Mihe Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 26

Table D9-6. Additional Raptor Nests Observed on the 1996 Expanded Portions and Buffer

Portion of the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area 1992-1996.

Species Location Nest Substrate Condition Activity

FH - Ferruginous Hawk

NESW Sec. 14 T33N R89W

NESE Sec.3 T32N R89W

NESE Sec.34 T33N R9OW

NWNW Sec. 10 T32N R9OW

NENE Sec. 9 T32N R9OW

NENE Sec. 9 T32N R9OW

NWNE Sec. 9 T32N R9OW

NENW Sec. 9 T32NR9OW

SWNW Sec. 9 T32N R9OW

SENE Sec. 8 T32N R9OW

Limber Pine

Hillside

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Rock Outcrop

Good

Fair

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Fair

Fair

Fair

Active, 1996 3 young

Inactive 1993

Inactive 1993

Alternate 1993

Alternate 1993

Active 1993

Alternate 1993

Alternate 1993

Alternate 1993

Inactive 1993

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 27

FH-12

FH-13

FH-14

FH-15a

FH-15b

FH-15c

FH-15d

FH-15e

FH-15f

FH-16

Table D9-6 (continued)

cii,'En;t~nn Ar-tiuht,

FH -ferrugnous Hawk (continued)

NWSW Sec.34 T33N R9OW

NWSE Sec.30 T33N R89W

Hillside

Hillside

Good

Good

Unknown

Unknown

RTH - Red-tailed Hawk

NWNW Sec.11 T32N R9oW

Dirt Cliff Good Unknown

Power Resources, Inc. Gas lills Project WDEQ-LQD Permuit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 28

FH-17

FH-18

RTH-6

t ^^^€•,^•

Table D9-7. Additional Raptor Nests observed

on the Power Resources Gas Hills

Table D9-7. Additional Raptor Nests observed on the Power Resources Gas Hills Project Area in 1997.

Species Location Nest Substrate condition Activity

FH - FerruQinous Hawk

FH-lf SESE Sec. 32 Rock Outcrop Fair Inactive T33N R89W

FH-lg SWSE Sec. 32 Rock Outcrop Fair Inactive T33N R89W

FH-lh NWNE Sec. 6 Rock Outcrop Fair Inactive T32N R89W

FH-li NWNE Sec. 6 Rock outcrop Good Inactive T32N R89W

FH-lj NWNE Sec. 6 Rock Outcrop Fair Inactive T32N R89W

FH-lk NWSW Sec. 33 Rock Outcrop Fair Inactive T33N R89W

FH-10c NWSW Sec. 20 Hilltop Fair Inactive T33N R89W

FH-18b SWNE Sec. 30 Hillside Good Inactive T33N R89W

PF - Prairie Falcon

PF-lb SENW Sec. 33 Rock Outcrop Good Active T33N R89W

PF-2 NESE Sec. 32 Rock Outcrop Good Active T33N R89W

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D9 - 29

ADDENDUM D9A

Wildlife Species List

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Ilills Project WDEQ-LQD enrmit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996L(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 1

Mammi occu

Common Name

INSECTIVORES

Masked shrew

Merriam's shrew

BATS

Little brown myotis

Small-footed myotis

Long-legged myotis

Long-eared myotis

Hoary bat

Silver-haired bat

Big brown bat

Townsend's bat

LAGOMORPHS

Mountain Cottontail

Desert cottontail

White-tailed jackrabbit

RODENTS

Addendum D9A. I! species which were observed or have the potential for rring on the Power Resources Gas Hills Study Area."

Scientific Observed Name on Site b/

INSETIVORA

Sorex cinereus

Sorex merriami

CHIROPTERA

Myotis lucifugus

Myotis leibii

Myotis volans

Myotis evotis

Lasiurus cinereus

Lasionycteris noctivagus

Eptesicus fuscus

Plectos townsendii

LAGOMORPHA

Sylvilagus nuttallii

Sylvilagus audubonii

Lepus townsendii

C*

RODENTIA

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199e(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A -2

Common ý,ýName

Least chipmunk

Wyoming ground squirrel

Thirteen-lined ground squirrel

White-tailed prairie dog

Northern pocket gopher

Olive-backed pocket mouse

Ord's kangaroo rat

Yellowbellied marmot

Western harvest mouse

- Deer mouse

Northen grasshopper mouse

Bushy-tailed woodrat

Gapperes red-backed vole

Montane vole

Long-tailed vole

Prairie vole

Sagebrush vole

Western jumping mouse

Porcupine

Scientifi Name

Addendum D9A (continued)

c Observed On site b/

Eutamias minimus

Spermophilus elegans

Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Cynomys leucurus

Thomomys talpoides

Perognathus fasciatus

Dipodomys ordii

Marmota flaviventris

Reithrodontomys megalotis

Peromyscus maniculatus

Onychomys leucogaster

Neotoma cinerea

Clethrionomys gapperi

Microtus montanus

Microtus longicaudus

Microtus ochrogaster

Lagurus curtatus

Zapus princeps

Erethizon dorsatum

*

*

*

*

*

*

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199e(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 3

Addendum D9A (continued)

Common ý.,>Namne

CARNIVORES

Coyote

Red fox

Raccoon

Long-tailed weasel

Short-tailed weasel

Badger

Striped skunk

Bobcat

CARNIVORA

Canis latrans

Vulpes vulpes

Procyon lotor

Mustela frenata

Mustela erminea

Taxidea taxus

Mephitis mephitis

Lynx rufus

Mountain lion

EVEN-TOED UNGULATES

Mule deer

Pronghorn

Felis concolor

ARTIODACTYLA

Odocoileus hemionus

Antiloeapra americana

*

*

_a/ Compiled from Long (1965), Wyoming Game and Fish (1981), Clark and Stromberg (1987).

b/ An asterisk indicates that the species itself or distinctive evidence (such as seat, tracks, bones), was observed on site. All other speices listed may occur on the permit area, but no evidence of their occurrence has been found. (Suitable habitat is present on-site and the distribution range overlaps the mine permit area.)

C/ Cottontails (Sylvilagus spp.) were seen during field surveys. It was not possible to differentiate between Nuttall's cottontail and the Desert cottontail, both of which could occur on the permit area.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996k(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 4

Scientific Observed On -,ite h/

*

*

*

*

*

Name

Addendum D9A. Bird species which were observed or have the potential for occurring on the Power Resources Company Study Area.'

Common Scientific Observed Name Name b/ on Site c/

GREBES PODICIPEDIFORMES

Western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis

Eared grebe Podiceps nigricollis *

Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps

HERONS AND IBISES

Great blue heron

Black-crowned night heron

GEESE AND DUCKS

Canada goose

Mallard

Gadwall

Pintail

Green-winged teal

Blue-winged teal

Cinnamon teal

American widgeon

Northern shoveler

Redhead

CICONIFORMES

Ardea herodias

Nycticorax nycticorax

ANSERIFORMES

Branta canadensis

Anas platyrhynchos

Anas strepera

Anas acuta

Anas crecca

Anas discors

Anas cyanoptera

Anas americana

Anas clypeata

Aythya americana

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 5

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Addendum D9A (continued)

Common K,/Name

Ring-necked duck

Canvasback

Lesser scaup

Common goldeneye

Bufflehead

Ruddy duck

Common merganser

Hooded merganser

VULTURES, HAWKS AND

Osprey

Goshawk

Cooper's hawk

Sharp-shinned hawk

Turkey vulture

Red-tailed hawk

Swainsonds hawk

Rough-legged hawk

Ferruginous hawk

Golden eagle

Bald eagle

Marsh hawk

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199(ý(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 6

Scientific Observed Name b/ On site c/ Aythya collaris

Aythya valisineria

"Aythya affinis

Bucephala clangula

Bucephala albeola *

Oxyura jamaicensis

Mergus merganser *

Laphodytes cucullatus

FALCONS FALCONIFORMES

Pandion haliaetus

Accipiter gentilis

Accipiter cooperii

Accipiter striatus

Cathares aura *

Buteo jamaicensis *

Buteo swainsoni *

Buteo lagopus *

Buteo regalis *

Aquila chrysaetos *

Haliaeetus leucocephalus *

Circus cyaneus *

Addendum D9A (continued)

Scientific Observed Name b/ On site cl

Common ý,,.Name

Prairie falcon

Peregrine falcon

Merlin

American kestrel

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS

Sage grouse

CRANES AND RAILS

Sora rail

American coot

SHOREBIRDS

Killdeer

Mountain plover

Long-billed curlew

Upland plover

Spotted sandpiper

Solitary sandpiper

Willet

Greater yellow legs

Lesser yellow legs

Power Reso Appendix D9 -

Falco mexicanus

Falco peregrinus

Falco columbarius

Falco sparverius

GALLIFORMES

Centrocercus urophasianus

GRUIFORMES

Porzana carolina

Fulica americana

*

*

*

*

CHARADRIFORMES

Charadrius vociferus *

Charadrius montanus

Numenius americanus

Bartramia longicauda

Actitis macularia *

Tringa solitaria

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

Tringa melanoleuccus

Tdnga flavipes

urces, Inc. Gas Hills Projcct WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Wildlife December 1997(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 7

Addendum D9A (continued)

Common Name

Least sandpiper

Long-billed dowitcher

Semipalmated sandpiper

Marbled godwit

American avocet

Black-bellied plover

Wilson's phalarope

Northern phalarope

SHOREBIRDS

Common snipe

California gull

Ring-billed gull

Franklin's gull

PIGEONS AND DOVES

Rock dove

Mourning dove

CUCKOOS

Black-billed cuckoo

Scientific Ot Name b/ 0

Calidris minutilla

Limnodramus scolopacceus

Caldris pusillus

Limosa fedoa

Recurvirostra americana *

Squatarola squatorola

Steganopus tricolor *

Lobipes lobatus

CHARADRIIFORMES

Capella gallinago

Larus californicus

Larus delawarensis

Larus pipixcan

COLUMBIFORMES

Columbia livia

Zenaida macroura

CUCULIFORMES

Coccvzus erythropthalus

served n site c/

*

*

*

STRIGIFORMES

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199e(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 8

OWLS

Addendum D9A (continued)

Common Scientific Observed Name Name b/ On site c/

Great homed owl

Long-eared owl

Short-eared owl

Burrowing owl

GOATSUCKERS

Poorwill

Common nighthawk

SWIFTS

White-throated swift

HUMMINGBIRDS

Broad-tailed hummingbird

KINGFISHERS

Belted kingfisher

WOODPECKERS

Common flicker

Yellow-bellied sapsucker

Hairy woodpecker

Downy woodpecker

Bubo virginianus

Asio otus

Asio flammeus

Speotyto cunicularia

CAPRIMULGIFORMES

Phalaenoptilus nattallii

Chordeiles minor

Aeronautes saxatalis

APODIFORMES

Salasphorus platycercus

CORACIIFORMES

Megaceryle alcyon

PICIFORMES

Colaptes auratus

Sphyrapicus varius

Dendrocopos villosus

Dendrocopos pubescens

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1990(Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - 9

*

*

*

*

Addendum D9A (continued)

Common ScientificSCommon

Name

PERCHING BIRDS

FLYCATCHERS

Eastern kingbird

Western kingbird

Cassin's Kingbird

Say's phoebe

Western flycatcher

Willow flycatcher

Western wood peewee

Olive-sided flycatcher

K.' Hammond's flycatcher

Dusky flycatcher

LARKS

Homed lark

SWALLOWS

Tree swallow

Violet-green swallow

Rough-winged swallow

Barn swallow

Bank swallow

Power) Appendix E

Observed On site c/

HIRUDINIDAE

Iridoprocne bicolor

Tachycineta thalassina

Stelgidopteryx ruflocollis *

Hirundo rustica

Riparia riparia *

Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application 9 - Wildlife December 199& Pkevised February, 1998) Page D9A - 10

Scientific Name b/

PASSERIFORMES

TYRANNIDAE

Tyrannus tyrannus

Tyrannus verticalis

Tyrannus vociferans

Sayornis saya

Empidonax difficilis

Empidonax traillii

Contopus sordidulus

Natallornis borealis

Empidonax hamondii

Empidonax oberholseri

ALAUDIDAE

Eremophila alpestris

Common . Name

Cliff swallow

JAYS AND CROWS

Steller's jay

Pinyon jay

Gray jay

Black-billed magpie

Common crow

Common raven

Clark's nutcracker

CHICKADEES

Black-capped chickadee

Mountain chickadee

NUTHATCHES

White-breasted nuthatch

Red-breasted nuthatch

CREEPERS

Brown creeper

Dipper

WRENS

Addendum D9A (continued)

Scientific Observed Name b/ On site cl

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota *

CORVIDAE

Cyanocitta stelleri

Gvmnorhinus svanocephalus *

Perisoreus canadensis

Pica pica

Corvus brachhyhnchos

Corvus corax

Nucifraga columbiana

PARIDAE

Parus atricapillus

Parus gambeli

SITTIDAE

Sitta carolinensis

Sitta canadensis

CERTHIIDAE

Certhia familiaris

Cinclus mexicanus

*

*

*

*

TROGLODYTIDAE

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199d. ?Revised February, 1998) Page D9A - I I

Scientifi Name bi

Common K.' Name

House wren

Rock wren

Addendum D9a (continued)

c Observed / On site c/

Troglodytes aedon

Salpinctes obsoletus *

MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS MMIDAE

Gray catbird Dumetalla carolinensis

Sage thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus *

THRUSHES, SOLITARES, AND BLUEBIRDS

TURIDAE

American robin

Hermit thrush

Swainson's thrush

Veery

Mountain bluebird

Townsend's solitaire

WAXWINGS

Cedar waxwing

SHRIKES

Northern shrike

Loggerhead shrike

Turdus migratorius

Catharus guttatus

Catharus ustulata

Catharus fuscescens

Sialia currucoides

Myadestes townsendii

BOMBYCILLIDAE

Bombycilla cedorum

LANIIDAE

Lanius excubitor

Lanius ludovicianus

STARLINGS STURNIDAE

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199& aevised February, 1998) Page D9A - 12

*

*

*

CommonCommon

~ Name

Starling

VIREOS

Warbling vireo

WARBLERS

Yellow warbler

Yellow-rumped warbler

MacGillivray's warbler

Common yellowthroat

Wilson's warbler

American redstart

WEAVER FINCHES

House sparrow

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES A COWBIRDS

Bobolink

Western meadowlark

Red-winged blackbird

Yellow-headed blackbird

Brewer's blackbird

Scientifi Name F

Addendum D9A (continued)

ic Observed '/ On site cl

VIREONIDAE

Vireo gilvus

PARULIDAE

Dendroica petechia

Dendroica coronata

Oporomis tolmiei

Geothlypis trichas

Wilsonia pusilla

Setophaga ruticilla

PLOCEIDAE

Passer domesticus *

ICTERIDAE

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Stumella neglecta *

Agelaius phoeniceus *

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Euphagus cyanocephalus *

Northern oriole Icterus galbula

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 -Wildlife December 199& (kevised February, 1998) Page D9A - 13

Common SIName

Western tanager

Common grackle

Brown-headed cowbird

Addendum D9A (continued)

Scientific Observed Name b/ Name c/

Piranga ludoviciana

Quiscalus quiscula

Molothrus ater

GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, FRINGILLIDAE SPARROWS, AND BUNTINGS

Black-headed grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus

Pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator

Lazuli bunting Passerina amoena

Cassin's finch Carpodacus cassinii

House finch Carpodacus mexicanus *

Gray-crowned rosy finch Leucosticte tephrocotis *

Pine siskin Spinus pinus

American goldfinch Spinus tristis

Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Rufous-sided towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus *

Green-tailed towhee Pipilo chlorurus

LIari bhntina Calamosniza melanocorvs *

Savannah sparrow

Grasshopper sparrow

Vesper sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

Ammodramus savannarum

Pooecetes gramineus *

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 tevised February, 1998) Page D9A - 14

Addendum D9A (continued)

SCommon Scientific Observed Name Name b/ Name c/

Lark sparrow Chondestes grammacus

Sage sparrow Amphispoza belli

Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis

Gray-headed junco Junco caniceps

Tree sparrow Spizella arborea

GROSBEAKS, FINCHES FRINGILLIDAE

SPARROWS, AND BUNTINGS

Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina

Brewer's sparrow Spizella breweri

S White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys

Lincoln's sparrow Melospiza lincolnii

Song sparrow Melospiza melodia

McCown's longspur Calcarius mccownii

Chestnut-collared longspur Calcarius omatus

Snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

a/ Compiled from Robbins et. al, 1966, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 1977 and 1982.

b/ Nomenclature from AOU, 1957, updated by AOU, 1973 and 1976.

_c An asterisk indicates that the species was observed on-site. All other species listed may occur on the permit area, but no evidence of their occurrence has been found. (Suitable habitat is present on-site and their distribution overlaps the mine permit area.)

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 fRevised February, 1998) Page D9A - 15

Addendum D9A. Amphibian and Reptile Species which were Observed of Have the Potential of Occuring on the Power Resources Company

Study Area.'

Common Scientific Observed lNJom•Nmi. h/ Name d

SALAMANDERS

Tiger salamander

FROGS AND TOADS

Great basin spadefoot

Woodhouse's toad

Chorus frog

Leopard frog

LIZARDS

Northern sagebrush lizard

Eastern short-homed lizard

SNAKES

Rocky Mountain rubber boa

Plains hognose snake

Eastern yellowbellied racer

Bullsnake

Wandering garter snake

URODELA

Ambystoma tigrinum

ANURA

Scaphiopus intermontanus

Bufo w. woodhousei

Pseudacris triseriata

Rana pipiens *

LACERTILA

Sceloporus g. graciosus *

Phrynosoma douglassi *

brevirostre

SERPENTES

Charina bottae

Herterodon nasicus

Coluber constrictor

Pituophis melanoleuccus

Thamnophis elegans vagran *

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199& (Reised February, 1998) Page D9A - 16

Addendum D9A (continued)

Common Scientific Observed Name Name b/ Name cl

Prairie rattlesnake Crotalus v.viridis

a/ Compiled from Stebbins (1966), Wyoming Game and Fish Department (1977) and Baxter and Stone (1980).

b/ Nomenclature from Baxter and Stone (198)).

_C/ An asterisk indicates that the species, itself or distincitive evidence (such as tracks or bones), was observed on-site. All other species listed may occur on the permit area, but no evidence of their occurrence has been found. (Suitable habitat is present on-site and their distribution overlaps the mine permit area.)

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 199týRevised February, 1998) Page D9A - 17

ADDEND UM D9B

Computer Printout

from

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Wildlife Observation System

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix D9 - Wildlife December 1996 (Revised, February, 1998)

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DescriotionColumn

1- 7 a 9 10 I - 12 13 - 14 15 - 16 17 - 21 22 - 24 25 - 27 28 - 30 31 - 33 34 - 36 37 - 39 40 - 42 d3 - 45 46 - 48 49 - 51 52 - 53 54

D9B- 10

Observation Number Sequence Number (1-8) District (see codes, page 7) Information Source (see codes, page 7) Month (01 through 12) Day (01 through 31) Year Species (see codes, pages 8-40) Adult Males Adult Females Adult Unknown Yearling Males Yearling Females Yearling Unknown Juvenile Males Juvenile Females Juvenile Unknown Unclassified Age in years (eg. juv. = 0; yrlng. = 1; 2+ = 2; etc.) Quarter/Quarter Section

0 or blank = not recorded 1 = Northwest 2 = Northeast 3 = Southwest 4 = Southeast

Quarter/Half Section 0 or blank = not recorded 1 = Northwest 2 = Northeast 3 = Southwest 4 = Southeast 5 = North half 6 = South half 7 = East half 8 = West half

Section Number (0 through 36) Quarter/Half Township

0 or blank = not recorded i = Northwest 2 = Northeast 3 = Southwest 4 = Southeast 5 = North Half 6 = South Half 7 = East Half 8 = West Half

56 - 57 58

FORMAT - Wildlife Observation Coding Form (continued)

Column Description

59 - 60 Township* 6U - 63 Range* 64 - E6 Hunt Area Number (see.pages 42-54) 67 - 68 Degree Block (see latalong map, page 55) 69 - 73 Habitat Type (see codes, pages 56-60) 74 - 78 Mortality Cause (see codes, page 61) 79 - 80 Animal Activity (see codes, page 62) 81. Other Information

0 = No additional information on form I = additional information on form A-Z = observer's individual code (each district assigns

their own code for each eauloyee) 82-83 Observer Activity (see codes, page 62)

*When coding indian Reservation observations, the following codes should be used:

iN - 9N 1S - 2S iE - 6E IW - 6W

D9B- 11

I I

HABITAT TYPE

01.00 Conifer Forests

01.10 Lodgepole Pine 01.20 Douglas Fir 01.30 Engelmann Spruce - Subalpine Fir 01.40 Ponderosa Pine (savannah) 01.50 Ponderosa Pine - Douglas Fir 01.60 Limber Pine 01.70 Whitebark Pine 01.80 Pine - Juniper

01.81 Pinyon Pine - Juniper 01.82 Limber Pine - Juniper 01.83 Ponderosa Pine - Juniper

01.90 Other or Mixed Conifer Forests

02.00 Deciduous Forests

02.10 Aspen 02.11 Aspen - Upland 02.12 Aspen - Riparian 02.13 Aspen - Conifer

02.20 Riparian - Cottonwood 02.21 Cottonwood - Upland (dry site) 02.22 Cottonwood - Riparian 02.23 Balsam Popular

02.30 Cottonwood - Dryland 02.31 Plains 02.32 Narrowleaf

02.40 Maple 02.41 Boxelder Maple 02.42 Rocky Mountain Maple 02.43 Bigtooth Maple

02.50 Oak 02.60 Paper Bi-rch 02.70 Maple - Elm - Ash 02.80 Other or Mixed Deciduous Forests

03.00 Woodland - Chaparral

03.10 Gambel Oak 03.20 Juniper

03.21 Juniper - Sagebrush 03.22 Juniper - Mountain Mahogany 03.23 -juniper - Other Shrub Understory

D9B-1 2

Basin - Prairie Shrub - Shrub Steppe

04.10 Sagebrush - Grassland 04.11 Basin Big Sagebrush 04.12 Wyoming Big Sagebrush 04.13 Mountain Big Sagebrush 04.14 Black Sagebrush 04.15 Silver Sagebrush 04.16 Threetip Sagebrush 04.17 Low Sagebrush (Artemisia arbascula) 04.18 Sand Sagebrush (Artemisia fiafolia) 04.19 Other or Mixed Sagebrush or Sagewort

04.20 Greasewood 04.21 Greasewbod - Sagebrush 04.22 Greasewood - Saltbush

04.30 Rabbitbrush 04.31 Green Rabbitbrush 04.32 Rubber Rabbitbrush 04.33 Rabbitbrush - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrut

04.40 Saitbush 04.41 Gardner Saltbush 04.42 Fourwing Saltbush 04.43 Shadscale 04.44 Saitbush - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub

04.50 Winterfat 04.60 Woody Aster (alkali aster) Xylorhiza 04.7U Other or Mixed Shrub - Shrub Steppe

05.00 Mountain - Foothills Shrub - Shrub Steppe

05.10 Sagebrush - Grassland 05.11 Basin Big Sagebrush 05.12 Wyoming Big Sagebrush 05.13 Mountain Big Sagebrush 05.14 Black Sagebrush 05.15 Silver Sagebrush 05.16 Threetip Sagebrush 05.17 Low Sagebrush (Artemisia arbascula) 05.18 Sand Sagebrush (Artemisia filafolia) 05.19 Other or Mixed Sagebrush

05.20 Rabbitbrush 05.21 Green Rabbitbrush 05.22 Rubber Rabbitbrush 05.23 Rabbitbrush - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub

U5.30 Mountain Mahogany 05.31 True Mountain Mahogany 05.32 True Mountain Mahogany - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub 05.33 Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany 05.34 Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub

05.40 Bitterbrush 05.41 Bitterbrush - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub

05.50 Serviceberry 05.51 Serviceberry - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub

05.60 Chokecherry 05.61 Chokecherry - Sagebrush - Mixed Shrub

05.70 Hawthorne 05.80 Skunkbush Sumac 05.90 Other or Mixed Shrub - Shrub Steppe

D9B-13

04.O00

Riparian Shrub - Shrub Steppe

06.10 Willow 06.11 Alpine Willow 06.12 Willow - Other Shrubs

06.20 Hawthorne - Wild Plum - Dogwood 06.30 Water Birch - Bog Birch

06.31 Birch - Alder 06.32 Birch - Willow 06.33 Birch - Other Shrubs

06.40 Alder 06.50 Shrubby Cinquefoil 06.60 Buffaloberry 06.70 Tamarisk 06.80 Russian Olive 06.90 Other or Mixed Shrub - Shrub Steppe

07.00 Grasslands

07.10 Eastern Great Plains Area Grasslands 07.11 Shortgrass (blue grama - buffalo grass) 07.12 Midgrass (blue grama - needlegrass - Western wheatgrass) 07.13 Draws (bluebunch wheatgrass - needlegrass - wildrye) 07.14 Sandy (muhly - sand dropseed - prairie sandreed) 07.15 Tallgrass, Rough Breaks (little bluestem - sideoats grama

switchgrass punic) 07.16 Tallgrass (big, sand and little bluestem - prairie sandreed

needleandthread) 07.17 Annual Forb

07.20 Great Basin - Foothills Grasslands 07.21 Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Bluegrass 07.22 Thickspike - Western Wheatgrass - Needleandthread

Bluegrass - Blue Grama 07.23 Annual Forb

07.30 Mountain - Foothills Grassland 07.31 Bluebunch Wheatgrass - Idaho Fescue - Bluegrass

Needlegrass 07.32 Mountain Park - Meadow (bent grasses, Idaho fescue - reed

grasses - slender wheatgrass) 07.33 Foothills - Mountain Forb (Northwest cinquefoil - lipine

geranium - elkweed) 07.34 Annual Forb

07.40 Alpine Grasslands (bent grass - sheep fescue - icegrass) 07.50 Alpine Moss - Lichen - Forb (silene - avens - sundivort - forget

me-not) 07.60 Wet - Moist Meadow Grasslands

07.61 Tufted Hairgrass - Reedgrass (freshwater) 07.62 Inland Saltgrass - Alkali Sacaton (alkaline) 07.63 Common Reed (phragmites) 07.64 Grass - Sedge - Rush Meadow

07.70 Kentucky Bluegrass Grasslands 07.80 Annual Grasslands

D9B-1 4

"•06.00

Grasslike Types

08.10 Sedge 08.20 Sedge - Grass - Rush Meadow

09.00 Marsh - Swamp Wetlands

09.10 Cattail 09.20 Bulrush 09.30 Cattail - Bulrush - Sedge

10.00 Aquatic

10.10 Lentic or Standing Water (pond, lake, reservoir) 10.11 Large Lentic ( > 5 surface acres) 10 .12 Small Lentic ( 7 5 surface acres) 10.13 Intermittent Le~tic 10.20 Lotic or Running Water (spring - stream -river) 10.21 Large Lotic ( > 50 ft. channel width) 10.22 Small Lotic C <50 ft. channel width) 10.23 Spring 10.24 Intermittent

11.00 Cropland - Agricultural Lands

11.10 Row Crop 11.11 Corn 11.12 Beans 11.13 Potatoes -11.14 Beets. 11.15 Sunflower 11.16 Other Row Crop

11.20 Alfalfa 11.21 Standing (in field) 11.22 Stacked 11.23 Seed Crop

11.30 Irrigated Native Meadow (hayed or pastured) 11.40 Irrigated Introduced Meadow (hayed or pastured) 11.50 Small Grains

11.51 Wheat 11.52 Barley 11.53 Oats 11.54 Rye 11.55 Other Small Grains

11.60 Oryland Grass Pastures 11.61 Crested Wheatgrass 11.62 Russian Wildrye 11.63 Other - Mixed Dryland Grass Pastures

11.70 Fallow Lands 11.80 Stored Crops 11.90 Rural Development

11.91 Ranch - Farm Facilities 11.92 Shelterbelt

D9B- 15

08. 00

Barren - Sn�r-i�T F�,*ms..�e12.00Bare - *nr~ ratU I Q..

12.10 Cave 12.20 Cliffs (canyon, mountain) 12.30 Spires 12.40 Rock Outcrop - Rock Piles 12.50 Talus Slope - Talus Fields 12.60 Sand Dune - Sand Blowouts 12.70 Shoreline (mud flats - sand beach - gravel bar) 12.80 Glacier

99.00 Disturbed Areas

99.10 Roadside - Railroad Banks 99.20 Mined Area (unreclaimed) 99.30 Mined Area (reclaimed)

99.31 Grass (native species) 99.32 Grass (introduced species) 99.33 Shrub - Shrub-Grass 99.34 Deciduous Tree 99.35 Coniferous Tree

99.40 Sprayed Area 99.41 Sagebrush 99.42 Other Shrub 99.43 Other

99.50 Burned Area 99.51 Grass 99.52 Sagebrush 99.53 Other Shrub 99.54 Woodland or Chaparral 99.55 Deciduous Tree 99.56 Coniferous Tree 99.57 Marsh

99.60 Logged - Clearcut Area 99.61 Lodgepole Pine 99.62 Ponderosa Pine 99.63 Douglas Fir 99.64 Spruce - Fir 99.65 Other or Mixed Conifer 99.66 Deciduous

99.70 Logged - Thinned 99.71 Lodgepole Pine 99.72 Ponderosa Pine 99.73 Douglas Fir 99.74 Spruce - Fir 99.75 Other or Mixed Conifer 99.76 Deciduous

99.80 Oil and Gas Sites 99.90 Urban/Built Up

99.91 Garbage Dump 99.92 Other

D9B-1 6

MORTALITY CODES

01.00 Cause Undetermined

02.00 Harvest

02.01 Legal Harvest (animal harvested in season, with license and within bag limit)

02.02 Illegal Harvest (mortality resulting from intentional violation) 02.03 Cripple Loss (any carcass escaping hunters bag but not verified as intentional violation)

02.04 Depredation Harvest (legal harvest during established depredation season)

02.05 Scientific Collection 02.06 Trapped and Transplanted

03.00 Accidents

03.01 Highway Accident 03.02 Railroad Accident 03.03 Electrocution 03.04 Drowning 03.05 Trapping Mortality 03.06 Urban Accident

04.00 Fence 04.01 Highway Right-of-Way 04.02 Railroad Right-of-Way 04.03 Range Fence

05.00 Physiological Stress

05.01 Starvation 05.02 Dehydration 05.03 Parasitism 05.04 Exposure

06.00 Disease

07.00 Predation

07.01 Wild Mammal 07.02 Coyote 07.03 Bobcat 07.04 Mountain Lion 07.05 Black Bear 07.06 Grizzly Bear 07.07 Red Fox 07.40 Feral Mammal 07.41 Dog 07.42 Feral Cat 07.50 Wild Avian 07.51 Golden Eagle

08.00 Pesticide and PnlltionnD9B- 17

S......... IWW W V f m U W

"ANIMAL ACTIVITY CODES*

0 or blank if undetermined 01 Courtship 02 Reproductive (i.e., breeding, nesting, etc.) 03 Loafing, Roosting, Resting, Etc. 04 Migration 05 Feeding 06 Disturbed 07 Damage 08 Sign (tracks, scat, etc.) 09 Watering 10 Escape (direct flight) 11 Territorial Behavior 12 Predation 13 Standing 14 Walking 15 Running 16 Hiding 17 Flying 18 Swimming 19 Entrapped (trapped in fence, etc.) 20 Trapped and Released 21 Trapped and Transplanted 22 Released from Transplant

) 23 Tagged Animal

* Number of animals observed must be entered in the appropriate column unless animal activity is 02, 07, 08, 11, or 23.

OBSERVER ACTIVITY

01 Casual Observation 02 Classification Counts 03 Aerial Trend Counts 04 Ground Trend Counts 05 Live Trapping Operation - Animal 06 Permanent Check Station 07 Field Check 08 Other Check Station 09 General Census 10 Mortality Transects 11 Nesting/Production Survey 12 Marked Animal 13 Damage Control

D9B-18 •

A.V,. 160., 0 Lo v u .V4u 4J O ,. 444 L414 rv"L.h At.19UUhLIb 140001 1B/25/1996 13:52 307-745-3803 EINTERMOUNTAIN RESOU t-_ ax

WYOMING GAME AND FIsH DEPARTMENT

Jim Mo @Ir.l. . .

October 14, 1996

Hr- Fax Note .7671 Date// lpage,- 2

Fmm VWER 8435 Dept. Co. Intermountain Resources

Fax 0 Power Resources, Inc.'s

Proposed In-Situ Uranium Mine Gas Hills Project Area Fremont County

MR. JIM ORPET INTERMOUNTAIN RESOURCES P.O. BOX 1589 LARAMIE, WY 82070

De&Jiu3,

I have reviewed the Appendix D-9 Yo~u prepared fo;the Power'Resources, Inc.'s proposed in-situ uranium mine in Fremont County. In general, the Appendix contains the wildlife information necessary to comply with state regulations for a non-coal mine. c However, a wildlife monitoring and mitigation plan must be developed for this mine - ° before the Wyoming Game & Fish.Department can concur with this pernit application. T .

As you indicated in our discussion on October 4, 1996, you will prepare these sections r% bw f]• once Power Resources, Inc. has determined the extent of the mining activity and associated disturbances. I am willing to review the monitoring and mitigation plans when they become available. Following are our specific, comments on Appendix D-9.

I. Description of Study Are . The written description of wildlife habitats on the study area is sufficient. However, you should also include a tabuIar summary of acres by habitat type, and amount of the habitat type to be disturbed if that information is available. If this table is included in Appendix D-9, please provide the approprniate referen;e.

2. Dig din-ie, The Wy6omin Game & Fish De lartent'ue" the word "crucial", not "critical" for designation of big game ranges vital to the survival of local populations. "Critical" is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service term indicating habitat vital to the survival of endangered species. To avoid confusion, critical should be changed to crucial in all appropriate references to big game habitat.

Mod s1u04091w6. -l.C .. ... .IV64 .6l I

ALU' &o, OU U0. U& &J 4 4U41 r irtn t.K.;ULit(.tkb IdO02

1B/25/199G 13:52 3V7-745-38M3 ejN'rw'•mUUr1#A. •mr.- .•w

Mr. Jim Orpet October 14, 1996 Page 2 - WER 8435

3. Suc Groue. As per our conversation, the proposed permit expansion area should be surveyed for leks. Please contact the local wildlife biologist (Pat HMilicka) concerning known lek locations in this area. Also, please consult with Pat H. regarding the appropriateness of conducting brood surveys.

4. Raptors. Miatoy_ Birds of Hi.gh Federal nIerest Pnd Threatened rnd

Endangered Spaeis. Please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if a monitoring and/or mitigation plan will be necessary for the above species. If so, a letter of plan approval, for each group, from the U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service should be included in the permit application.

5. Wildlife Obserations. Please provide written acknowledgement that all species observed on the permit area were noted, even if specific surveys for those species were not conducted.

6. Population Estimates. Dhe 1991 big game population estimates provided in Appendix D-9 art outdated. More recent estimates are available, and should be included.

Please clarify if the Bureau of Land Management will require an environmental K>-' assessment for this activity. If you have any questions don't hesitate to give me a call.

Sincerely,

Pat Deibert Staff Biologist

cc: Steve Platt, Lander DEQ Ramona Christenson, Cheyenne DEQ Tom Collins, Wyoming Game & Fish Department USFWS File

ntermountain

eso urces7

Permit Preparation Baseline Inventories • Wildlife • Vegetation * Soils

P.O. Box 1589 Laramie, Wyoming 82070 (307) 745-3803

November 5, 1996

Mr. Chris Lidstone Lidstone & Anderson, Inc. 736 Whalers Way, Suite F-200 Fort Collins, CO 80525

RE: PRI Gas Hills Project

Dear Mr. Anderson,

Transmitted herewith are the draft Appendix D9 and several Mine Plan sections that pertain to wildlife impacts, monitoring and mitigation. As noted, these are drafts since we have not yet received new maps, detailed disturbance areas with acreages and mine sequence, or vegetation type permit area acreages and disturbance acreages.

Also included is a small scale map showing information that will need to be drafted. This map is only provided for your reference and should not be used for drafting since sites cannot be accurately transferred from this map. We will plot the accurate sites when we receive new maps and will then submit those to you for drafting.

Following receipt of the rest of the information we will also prepare a raptor, MBHFI and T&E monitoring and mitigation plan for submittal to the USFWS for approval.

For your information I will be out of the office from November 16 through November 24 but would like to finish this up prior to then. Please contact me if you have any questions, comments or revisions.

Sincerely,

TimOrpet

WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

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- -October 14, 1996

WER 8435 Intermountain Resources Power Resources, Inc.'s Proposed In-Situ Uranium Mine Gas Hills Project Area Fremont County

MR. JIM ORPET INTERMOUNTAIN RESOURCES P.O. BOX 1589 LARAMIE, WY 82070

Dear Jim, ....

I have reviewed the Appendix D-9 you prepared for the Power Resources, Inc.'s proposed in-situ uranium mine in Fremont County. In general, the Appendix contains the C VJ 7 wildlife information necessary to comply with state regulations for a non-coal mine. However, a wildlife monitoring and mitigation plan must be developed for this mine -"" iF before the Wyoming Game & Fish Department can concur with this permit application. As you indicated in our discussion on October 4, 1996, you will prepare these sections M (b14 f once Power Resources, Inc. has determined the extent of the mining activity and associated disturbances. I am willing to review the monitoring and mitigation plans when they become available. Following are our specific comments on Appendix D-9.

1. Description of Study Area. The written description of wildlife habitats on the study area is sufficient. However, you should also include a tabular summary of acres by habitat type, and amount of the habitat type to be disturbed if that information is available. If this table is included in Appendix D-8, please provide the appropriate reference.

2. Bi. Game Ranges. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department uses the word "crucial", not "critical" for designation of big game ranges vital to the survival of local populations. "Critical" is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service term indicating habitat vital to the survival of endangered species. To avoid confusion, critical should be changed to crucial in all appropriate references to big game habitat.

headwaneln: S400 I84ho bowIle'ard. Cheyenne. WY 82006-0001 SAX (307) 777-4610

Mr. Jim Orpet October 14, 1996 Page 2 - WER 8435

3. SageXGruse. As per our conversation, the proposed permit expansion area should be surveyed for leks. Please contact the local wildlife biologist (Pat Hnilicka) concerning known lek locations in this area. Also, please consult with Pat H. regarding the appropriateness of conducting brood surveys.

4. Raptors- Migratory Birds of High Federal Interest. and Threatened and Endangered Species. Please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine if a monitoring and/or mitigation plan will be necessary for the above species. If so, a letter of plan approval, for each group, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should be included in the permit application.

5. Wildlife Observations. Please provide written acknowledgement that all species observed on the permit area were noted, even if specific surveys for those species were not conducted.

6. Population Estimates. The 1991 big game population estimates provided in Appendix D-9 are outdated. More recent estimates are available, and should be included.

Please clarify if the Bureau of Land Management will require an environmental assessment for this activity. If you have any questions don't hesitate to give me a call.

Sincerely,

Pat Deibert Staff Biologist

cc: Steve Platt, Lander DEQ Ramona Christenson, Cheyenne DEQ Tom Collins, Wyoming Game & Fish Department USFWS File

THIS PAGE IS AN OVERSIZED DRAWING OR

FIGURE, THAT CAN BE VIEWED AT THE

RECORD TITLED: DRAWING NO. PLATE D8-1W,

GAS HILLS PROJECT VEGETATION MAP

FREMONT AND NATRONA COUNTIES, WY

WITHIN THIS PACKAGE... OR BY SEARCHING USING THE

DOCUMENT/REPORT NO. PLATE D8-1W

NOTE: Because of these page's large file size, it may be more convenient to

copy the file to a local drive and use the Imaging (Wang) viewer, which can be accessed from the Programs/Accessories menu.

D-01

APPENDIX D1i - WETLANDS

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix DI I - Wetlands December 1996 (Revised, February, 1998)

1.

2.

3.

4.

TABLE OF CONTENTS APPENDIX D11 - WETLANDS

Page

IM THOD OLC G .................................................. Dl 1-1

METHQDOLOG.............................................. D11-1

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ....................................... DI1-1

MITIGATION MEASURE .......................................... D 11-2

Power Resourccs, Inc. Gas lHills Project WDEQ-LQD Pennit to Mine Application Appendix D II - Wetlands December 1996 (Revised February, 1998)

APPENDIX D11 - WETLANDS

1.0 INTRODUCTI[N

Potential wetlands which occur within the study area and are delineated, based on vegetative characteristics, on Plate D8-1 (East and West). The purpose of this initial survey was to identify all areas of potential wetlands within the proposed permit area. Specifically areas within drainages and lowlands were targeted for field investigation based on aerial photo interpretation and general field observation by BKS personnel. In addition to these area surface and/or ground water reservoirs in the area may represent wetlands. These include the A-8, VECA, PC pits (AML projects) and the Buss I pit (PRI Permit 438). These reservoirs are shown on Plates DI-IE and DI-IW.

Prior to disturbance a jurisdictional determination of wetlands will be completed in cooperation with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). As discussed in Section 4.0, Mitigation Measures, disturbance of wetland areas by wellfield development is unlikely and the migration measure will be avoidance. In some cases crossing either with an access road or pipe line will be necessary and permitting under the COE Nationwide program will be required.

2.0 METHODOLOGY

The 1996 potential wetland survey was conducted by BKS Environmental Associates, Inc. Although the three characteristics ofjurisdictional "wetlands" include hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology and are outlined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87 1. Potential wetland areas within the Permit Area were identified primarily on vegetation characteristics. Should a jurisdictional determination of wetlands be necessary, it is likely that some of the areas delineated by vegetative characteristics will not meet jurisdictional criteria.

Potential areas were delineated by map topographic features and generally consisted of pockets within wet draws and drainages outlined on the 1 "=500' scale proposed permit vegetation maps (Plates D8-1E and D8-1W). The delineated areas were then targeted for further field investigation and surveyed for the presence of hydrophytic vegetation.

3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In addition to mine pit reservoirs, potential jurisdictional wetlands on the Permit Area are located in ephemeral drainages and near seeps or springs which have consistently high water tables throughout the growing season. The following vegetation subtypes, tentatively identified by BKS, include: sedge meadows near Cameron Spring and the lower reaches of West Canyon Creek; willow thickets in the upper reaches of West Canyon Creek near the Beaver Rim; and relatively small pockets of sedge meadow and/or salt tolerant vegetation within ephemeral pools located in small drainages. Within the smaller ephemeral drainages, pockets of potential wetlands are generally small and confined within definite narrow channels.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Ilills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix DI I - Wetlands December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page DI I - I

A small amount of flowing water was evident in the West Canyon Creek Drainage and at Cameron Spring. Otherwise, little or no flow is evident within ephemeral channels. Juncus sp. is the most common species near dried pools within channels. Various Carex spp. are dominant in the sedge meadows. Salix spp. dominate the overstory in the willow thicket areas.

Topography is important in this area to the development of potential wetlands. Proximity to the Beaver Rim or incised drainages within the Bottomland Sagebrush allow the collection of water at or near the surface necessary for the development of wetlands.

4.0 MITIGATION MEASURES

Although the limits for the general mine units cross some potential wetland areas, these areas are generally narrow and can be avoided during wellfield development. As an example Mine Unit No. 4 crosses portions of the West Canyon Creek Drainage. Following completion of delineation drilling in this area, wellfield design will locate injection and recovery wells outside the boundary of the wetlands. However, it may be necessary to cross the wetland areas with access roads and pipe lines. In this event, a mitigation plan and 404 permit will be developed for approval by WDEQ and the COE prior to any disturbance.

Power Resources, Inc. Gas Hills Project WDEQ-LQD Permit to Mine Application Appendix DII - Wetlands December 1996 (Revised February, 1998) Page D1I - 2