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Historical accounts of the northern leopard frog (
Rana pipiens
) and Black Hills redbelly snake
(
Storeria occipitomaculata pahasapae
) exist in the Project Area. A variety of additional reptile
and amphibian species are also present in the area. Both of these species, as well as the
smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis), wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans
vagrans), and red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis), were documented within
the Project Area during the 2012 surveys. A variety of additional reptile and amphibian species
are also present in the area. All observations of these species will be detailed in Wildlife
Baseline Report, and any other herptiles encountered will be recorded and included in the
species list appended to the Wildlife Baseline Report.
5.6.2.7 Aquatic Species
Existing WGFD and Forest Service data identify numerous fish species including brook trout
(
Salvelinus fontinalis
), brown trout (
Salmo trutta
), creek chub (
Semotilus atromaculatus
),
longnose dace (
Rhinichthys cataractae
), mountain sucker (
Catostomus platyrhynchus
), and
white sucker (
Catostomus commersonii
), macroinvertebrates, and other aquatic species (e.g.,
snails) that occur within the aquatic and riparian habitats in the vicinity of the Project Area.
WDEQ has two monitoring stations within the Project Area along Whitelaw Creek with available
historical data for water quality and macroinvertebrates. To supplement that data, two additional
stations were sampled for macroinvertebrates along Beaver Creek (one above and one below
the Beaver Creek and Whitelaw Creek confluence) in summer 2012. Additionally, the WGFD
and contracted biologists established a fish sampling station within the Project Area boundary
along Whitelaw Creek in late summer 2012. Both sampling efforts were conducted to determine
the current relative abundance and species richness of these species/communities. All
organisms were counted and identified to the most practical taxonomic level possible and will be
detailed in the Wildlife Baseline Report.
5.6.3 Design Features/Environmental Protection Measures
RER has identified the following design features/environmental protection measures to reduce
potential impacts to fish and wildlife:
Bear-proof containers, approved by the WGFD, will be used for temporary storage of
all garbage; however, trash and garbage will not be allowed to remain within the
Mine Area for an extended period (e.g., greater than one week) to discourage
attracting scavengers, including corvids, coyotes, and bears.
Speed limits and caution signs will be posted to the extent allowed by surface
owners, federal and state regulations, local governments, and land use policies, as
appropriate to minimize potential for vehicle and wildlife collisions/interaction.
Employees and subcontractors will not be allowed to carry firearms while on the job
or riding in company vehicles. These provisions will be included in subcontractor
agreements limiting the use of firearms to the same standards applied to company
operations.
Employees and subcontractors will be instructed to avoid walking away from vehicles
or facilities into view of wildlife, especially during winter months and breeding
(courtship, nesting) seasons.
Employees and subcontractors will receive environmental awareness training during
orientation that will inform and educate employees and subcontractors about laws
and wildlife conservation practices, including no harassment or feeding of wildlife.
Known bat roosts (day and/or night) will be protected in accordance with Black Hills
National Forest Plan in order to maintain bat habitat, nurseries, or hibernacula.
Traffic routes will be restricted to established roads to protect wildlife habitat unless
authorized by the Forest Service.
