ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEYS

Transcription

1 ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEYS View into Helena Mine Complex Adit R37A with light from entrance R37B. This feature is a day roost for lesser long-nosed bats in late summer. Mexican long-tongued bat and lesser long-nosed bat roosting in Adit R38A in May Authors: Debbie C. Buecher, M.S. BUECHER BIOLOGICAL CONSULTING Ronnie Sidner, Ph.D. ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING 4001 East Paradise Falls Drive Tucson, Arizona (520) March 22, 2013 Project No

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION SURVEY METHODS RESULTS Features within the Rosemont Project Footprint Features Along the Proposed Project Utility Corridor Features Outside the Rosemont Project Footprint DISCUSSION REFERENCES TABLES Table Survey Methods... 3 Table 2. Microclimate Data Loggers Deployed in Table 3. Bat species observed or acoustically detected during 2012 surveys on the Rosemont Holdings and adjacent Coronado National Forest Table 4. Summary of microclimate conditions recorded in roosts in Table 5. Descriptive statistics of all microclimate logger data collected during the warm season of Table 6. Observations of bats and/or evidence of bat use and comparison between surveys... conducted in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and FIGURES Figure 1. Vicinity Map... (follows text) Figure 2. Overview of Surveyed Mine Features... (follows text) Figure 3. Surveyed Mine Features - Helena Mine Complex... (follows text) Figure 4. Surveyed Mine Features Along Proposed Project Utility Corridor... (follows text) Figure 5. Surveyed Mine Features within the Project Footprint and Along Sycamore and Wasp Canyons... (follows text) Figure 6. Surveyed Mine Features near Copper Duke Mine... (follows text) Figure 7. Adit 38 Upper Roost summer temperature and relative humidity... 7 Figure 8. Adit 38 Lower Roost summer temperatures and relative humidity... 8 Figure 9. Adit R46 Above Guano pile summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 10. Adit R47 Above Guano pile summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 11. Adit R47 Choero dome summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 12. Adit R49 Above Guano/Splatter 15 Figure 13. Helena Mine R37A Back Logger summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 14. Helena Mine R37A Front Logger summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 15. Helena Mine R38A Entrance summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 16. Helena Mine R38A Main Corridor summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 17. Helena Mine R38A Above Winze summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 18. Helena Mine R38A Outside Javelina summer temperature and relative humidity Figure 19. Known Major Roost Sites of Lesser Long-nosed Bats in Arizona... (follows text) WestLand Resources, Inc. i

3 APPENDICES Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D US Fish and Wildlife Service White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol Selected Photographs Selected Sonograms Mine Feature Maps WestLand Resources, Inc. ii

4 1. INTRODUCTION As part of the ongoing baseline survey being funded by Rosemont Copper Company for their Rosemont Project, WestLand Resources, Inc. (WestLand) surveyed 21 abandoned mine features within the Rosemont Holdings and vicinity during the warm season of 2012 to search for evidence of bat use or monitor known bat use. The Rosemont Holdings encompass patented and unpatented claims and fee lands within privately owned, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management lands on the northeast side of the Santa Rita Mountain Range (Figure 1). WestLand conducted initial site visits in 2006 to evaluate the potential resources for lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and other bat species in the Rosemont Holdings and vicinity. Ultrasonic acoustic survey investigations were conducted in 2007, and ultrasonic acoustic surveys and mining feature investigations, along with wide-ranging surveys for foraging resources, were conducted in 2008 (WestLand 2009a and 2009b). Acoustic, infrared, and roost site surveys to date confirm that the Rosemont Holdings support L. yerbabuenae foraging resources and day-roost sites (WestLand 2009b, 2010, 2011 and 2012). In addition to L. yerbabuenae, at least 10 other bat species have been recorded from the area, including the nectar-feeding Mexican longtongued bat (Choeronycteris mexicana) and nine species of insectivorous bats. From 2008 to 2012, 165 potential roost sites within the Rosemont Holdings and surrounding region were evaluated (WestLand 2009b, 2010, 2011 and 2012). Surveys were conducted during 13 field visits in 2012 to evaluate 22 mining features of interest within the Rosemont Holdings and vicinity (14 previously surveyed features and 8 features near the Copper Duke Mine that had not been previously surveyed by WestLand). The survey data collected in 2012 includes: 1) information on roost site physical characteristics, and 2) roost counts. Roost site characterization was conducted at sites that are known to be used as bat roosts, and included mapping of the internal mine feature and installation and maintenance of temperature and relative humidity data loggers at a subset of these sites. Exit (emergence) surveys consist of counting bats as they emerge to forage in the evening and provide information on the numbers of bats using these features and the season of use. Knowledge of population size is important in quantifying potential impacts and in developing possible mitigation proposals. This report summarizes the results of the 2012 bat roost surveys and is presented in five sections: Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 (Introduction) introduces the document and outlines the document s organization. (Survey Methods) describes the methods used during the 2012 bat roost surveys. (Results) describes the results of the 2012 bat roost surveys. (Discussion) provides a summary and discussion of the 2012 survey findings. (Recommendations) provides some recommendations for future survey activities. (References) provides a list of references that were used for this work. WestLand Resources, Inc. 1

5 2. SURVEY METHODS In 2012, surveys were conducted during 13 site visits between May and November at 22 features on the Rosemont Holdings and adjacent Coronado National Forest (Figure 2 and Table 1). Data were collected at 13 mine features that had been previously used by bats or had evidence of bat use based on previously conducted surveys. Features surveyed in 2012 included the Helena Mine Complex (Figure 3), features that occur along a proposed utility corridor for the Rosemont project (Figure 4), and features that occur within the proposed mine footprint (Figure 5). One mine feature located along Sycamore Canyon was also evaluated (Figure 5). In addition, eight mine features not previously surveyed by WestLand in the vicinity of the Copper Duke Mine, as shown on the Helvetia USGS 7.5-minute series quadrangle, were surveyed (Figure 6). These mines are approximately 1,015 meters south of the proposed project utility corridor. Surveys included internal surveys during the day, exit (emergence) survey, and/or maintenance of microclimate loggers. Internal surveys included searching for roosting bats or potential evidence of bats. Potential evidence includes bone material from dead bats, insectivorous bat fecal material (guano), nectar bat fecal material (splatter), insect debris below roost sites, and staining on walls or ceilings from body oils of bats. All internal surveys followed the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) operating protocol for white-nose syndrome (Appendix A). Tyvek suits were worn to prevent or reduce the transfer of infectious agents between features that are used by bats (Appendix B: Photo 18). White-nose syndrome is a disease in bats caused by the pathogenic fungus Geomyces destructans, and colonies infected with this fungus typically show significant mortality (Blehert et al. 2009). Although White-nose syndrome has not yet been found in Arizona, the USFWS has requested use of protocol precautions to prevent introduction of the disease. Emergence counts were conducted on six nights at multiple features known to be used by bats based on previous survey findings. These surveys require a variety of equipment to record the evening bat flights, including infrared (IR) video cameras, infrared light sources, ultrasonic listening devices and computers for analysis of ultrasonic bat vocalizations. Two ultrasonic bat detectors, AnaBat II (Titley Scientific, Columbia, Missouri) and Pettersson 240x (Pettersson Electronik, Uppsala, Sweden), were used in these surveys to record bat vocalizations for subsequent identification. Two infrared cameras, Sony Nightshot (Sony Corporation, New York, New York) and Axis 214 PTZ network camera (Axis Corporation, Stockholm, Sweden), were used to make digital recordings of bat exit flights for more accurate counting. Use of IR lights and IR sensitive cameras, rather than white or red lights, ensures that the bats are not disturbed and will behave more normally. Some bat species known to use mines associated with Rosemont echolocate with low intensity calls (for example, Corynorhinus townsendii and Choeronycteris mexicana) and are known as whispering bats. Unfortunately, these species can be missed when using acoustic surveys because detector microphones are not sensitive enough to pick up their low intensity calls. Therefore, visual exit surveys are required to confirm bat presence at some sites that are potentially used by these species rather than relying on passive acoustic sampling alone. WestLand Resources, Inc. 2

6 Microclimate conditions, specifically temperature and relative humidity, were monitored within three roost complexes having multiple openings (Table 2). During these site visits internal surveys were conducted when the mine was entered to download/reprogram the microclimate loggers. These loggers (i-button Hygrochron Maxim, Sunnyvale, California) measure temperature (± o C) and relative humidity (± 0.04 percent) at a programmable rate. The loggers were programmed to sample every 2 hours during the summer months (May through November) and every 4 hours during the winter months (November through May) (Table 2). Sampling was conducted more frequently during the summer to achieve a more detailed microclimate evaluation throughout the season when bats are roosting in greater numbers. Table Survey Methods Feature Number Survey Date(s) Survey Conducted Within Project Footprint and along Sycamore and Wasp canyons Chicago Mine (9) 23 Sept. Internal (day) 38 (formerly S) 16 May, 26 Aug., 23 Oct. Microclimate data collection (2 loggers) Internal (day) & map mine Emergence survey 39 (formerly S1) 26 Aug. Emergence survey R46 R47 R49 R54 R55 Along Proposed Utility Corridor Microclimate data collection (3 loggers) 16 May, 29 May, 30 Aug., 23 Oct. Internal (day) & map mine Emergence survey Microclimate data collection (3 loggers) 16 May, 29 May, 30 Aug., 23 Oct. Internal (day) & map mine Emergence survey Microclimate data collection (2 loggers) 16 May, 27 Aug., 23 Oct. Internal (day) & map mine Emergence survey Internal (day) 29 May, 27 Aug. Emergence survey Internal (day) & map mine 29 May, 27 Aug. Emergence survey Near the Proposed Utility Corridor (Near Copper Duke Mine) Copper Duke Feature 1 4 Sept. Internal (day) Copper Duke Feature 2 4 Sept. Internal (day) Copper Duke Feature 3 4 Sept. Emergence survey Copper Duke Feature 4 4 Sept. Internal (day) Copper Duke Feature 5 4 Sept. Internal (day) Copper Duke Feature 6 4 Sept. Internal (day) Copper Duke Feature 7 4 Sept. Internal (day) Copper Duke Feature 8 4 Sept. Internal (day) WestLand Resources, Inc. 3

7 Table Survey Methods Feature Number Survey Date(s) Survey Conducted Adit R2 R2 26 Aug., 23 Sept. Internal (night and day) R37A Helena Mine Complex 18 May, 29 Aug., 17 Sept., 25 Oct. R37B 29 Aug., 17 Sept. Emergence surveys R37C 29 Aug., 17 Sept. Emergence surveys R38A 18 May, 29 Aug., 17 Sept., 26 Oct. R38B 29 Aug., 17 Sept. Emergence surveys Microclimate data collection (2 loggers) Internal (day) & map mine Emergence surveys Microclimate data collection (3 loggers) Internal (day) & map mine Emergence surveys Table 2. Microclimate Data Loggers Deployed in Mine Location Adit 38 and 39 Mine Complex Winter hr samples Summer hr samples Adit 38 Upper roost area yes yes Adit 38 Lower roost room yes yes Helena Mine Complex Adit R37A Front yes yes Adit R37A Middle, in main passage above large guano pile yes no 1 Adit R37A Back of main passage yes yes Adit R38A Entrance yes yes Adit R38A End main corridor yes yes Adit R38A Above pit near terminus (working face) of mine no 1 yes Adit R38A Javelina Room yes no 1 Adit R38A Outside Javelina Room yes yes Adit R38A Back of Skunk Joint yes no 1 R46 and R47 Mine Complex Adit R46 Main right passage above guano pile no 1 no 1 Adit R46 Main left passage above guano pile no 1 no 1 Adit R46 Main connecting passage no 2 yes Adit R47 Above large guano pile no 3 yes Adit R47 Choeronycteris (Choero) dome no 3 yes Adit R49 Above guano pile no 2 yes no 1 = logger malfunctioned - usually located in ~100% relative humidity no 2 = logger not deployed no 3 = logger lost/removed WestLand Resources, Inc. 4

8 3. RESULTS Eight bat species were identified during the 2012 surveys (Table 3). Specific observations noted within each of the features surveyed in 2012 are provided below. Features surveyed are grouped based on general location and include: features within the Rosemont Project footprint; features surveyed along the proposed Project utility corridor; and features surveyed outside the Rosemont Project footprint. Appendix B provides selected photographs taken during the 2012 surveys; Appendix C provides selected sonograms recorded during acoustic surveys; and Appendix D provides maps of the internal workings of some of the features surveyed during Table 3. Bat species observed or acoustically detected during 2012 surveys on the Rosemont Holdings and adjacent Coronado National Forest. Rankings obtained from Arizona Game and Fish Department sensitive status species list updated November Ranking Definitions: WSC=wildlife species of concern, S=sensitive, and LE=listed endangered. Code Scientific Name Common Name Arizona Game and Fish Department Status Forest Service Fish and Wildlife Service ANPA Antrozous pallidus Pallid bat CHME Choeronycteris mexicana Mexican long-tongued bat WSC COTO Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend's big-eared bat -- S -- EPFU Eptesicus fuscus Big-brown bat LEYE Leptonycteris yerbabuenae Lesser long-nosed bat WSC -- LE MYCA Myotis californicus California myotis MYTH Myotis thysanodes Fringed myotis MYVE Myotis velifer Cave myotis FEATURES WITHIN THE ROSEMONT PROJECT FOOTPRINT CHICAGO MINE (Adit 9) Internal Survey Date: 23 September, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner Four nectar bats were observed day-roosting above the main mine in the twilight area of a dome where bats were typically observed in previous years. The bats flew immediately so the species (C. mexicana (Mexican long-tongued bat) or endangered L. yerbabuenae (lesser-long nosed bat)) could not be confirmed. Upon entering the lower passages, three Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend s big-eared bat) and six Myotis velifer (cave myotis) were observed (Appendix B: Photo 7). Two M. velifer were captured to determine overall health, and standard measurements were taken (Appendix B: Photo 9). All appeared to be in good health, and none exhibited obvious evidence of tissue damage attributed to the white-nose syndrome. WestLand Resources, Inc. 5

9 ADITS 38 and 39 (formerly S and S1) Microclimate Logger Maintenance, Mine Mapping and Emergence Survey Dates: May 16, August 26, and October 23, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, and Corey Archer During the May site visit, loggers were downloaded, reprogrammed, and redeployed. Two Corynorhinus townsendii were observed roosting. A rough map of the internal workings of this adit and microclimate data logger placement is provided in Appendix D: Figure D1. Emergence counts were conducted at the upper vertical entrance (Adit 38 [S]) and the lower horizontal entrance (Adit 39 [S1]; Appendix C: Photo 5) on August 26, Although about 50 C. townsendii were observed day-roosting in this mine in August 2009, only 14 bats exited the upper entrance during the exit count. Eleven bats re-entered (net = 3) the mine, and they appeared to be different species due to differences in body size and flight speed. There appeared to be abundant foraging in Adit 38 during the exit flight. At the lower entrance (Adit 39), 48 bats exited but 45 bats entered the mine (net = 3 bats) during the exit count. Researchers heard Antrozous pallidus (pallid bat) directive calls (typically referred to as social calls) during exit counts at Adit 38. These directive calls consist of one to six loud, high-pitched notes made in rapid succession and often within the range of human hearing (20 khz 5 khz, Adams 2003). Insect debris (large moth wings and beetle elytra) and large guano pellets inside have suggested in previous seasons that this feature serves as a night roost for pallid bats. No bats were observed in October, although fresh moth wings, orthopteran wings, and beetle elytra were observed mixed in with fresh guano pellets below some of the roost sites. On this visit, a gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) was found just inside the entrance (Appendix B: Photo 6). In a small pool area just inside the lower entrance, a bear track was preserved in the muddy floor. Between May and October, internal mine temperatures in the upper roost ranged between 17 C and 25 C, while relative humidity ranged between approximately 8 and 84 percent (Figures 7A and B). Summer temperatures in the lower roost ranged between 16 C and 21 C, while relative humidity ranged between approximately 18 and 80 percent during the same period (Figures 8A and B). Winter temperatures between November and May varied between 12 C and 19 C, and relative humidity varied between 12 and 47 percent in the upper roost. Microclimate in the lower roost during the same period ranged between 11 C and 17 C, while relative humidity ranged between 22 and 51 percent. Although the lower roost room should be cooler because cold air sinks in a mine or cave, this site is slightly protected from the main airflow in the mine and typically provides temperatures and relative humidity similar to the upper roost (Appendix D: Figure D1). Data for all microclimate loggers are plotted in two formats: the first plots show individual temperatures (axis Y 1 ) and relative humidity (axis Y 2 ) on the same graph through the summer months (axis X), and the second plots better illustrate how temperatures and relative humidity cluster within a range during those same summer months. WestLand Resources, Inc. 6

10 7A 7B Figure 7. Adit 38 Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions in the upper roost between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B) at this documented C. townsendii and A. pallidus summer roost. See Appendix D: Figure D1 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 7

11 8A 8B Figure 8. Adit 38 Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions in the lower roost between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B) at this documented C. townsendii and A. pallidus summer roost. See Appendix D: Figure D1 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 8

12 3.2. FEATURES ALONG THE PROPOSED PROJECT UTILITY CORRIDOR ADIT R46 Microclimate Data Collection and Emergence Survey Dates: May 16, May 29, August 30, and October 23, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner Adit R46 is a long and complex mine that is physically connected to Adit R47 through an extensive system of horizontal and vertical passages. Adit R46 is a horizontal mine with multiple branches and is typically colder and has much higher humidity than the upper passages of Adit R47. A rough map of the internal workings of this adit and microclimate data logger placement is provided in Appendix D: Figure D4. In May, when the data loggers were to be downloaded and redeployed, both loggers in Adit R46 had malfunctioned due to the high relative humidity inside the mine. Two new loggers were deployed two weeks later. An additional data logger was deployed in the main horizontal passage between R46 and R47 where bats are typically observed day-roosting. During this second trip to Adit R46, a cluster of 24 Myotis velifer (cave myotis) were observed along the horizontal passage between Adits R46 and R47. A solitary M. velifer roosting in a ceiling vug (cavity in the mine ceiling that is lined with minerals) and an Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat) roosting in a crevice were caught, measured, and released (Appendix B: Photos 11, 14, 15 and 16). These bats did not exhibit obvious signs of white nose syndrome. In August, five bats were observed entering and six bats were observed exiting during the emergence count. These appeared to be Myotis thysanodes (fringed myotis) and M. velifer based on acoustics recordings (Appendix C: Sonograms 1, 2, and 4). The mine entrance is unstable and is slowly collapsing. In October, seven bats were observed using the mine complex: one M. thysanodes, one C. townsendii (Appendix B: Photos 9 and 10), one M. californicus (California myotis), and two C. mexicana. A possible M. velifer and a M. thysanodes was also observed deep in a ceiling vug. In October, during the logger downloading, a rhadine beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Rhadine sp.) was observed foraging for cricket eggs in the moist soil near a guano pile (Appendix B: Photo 13). These beetles are found in caves in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, and Huachuca Mountains (Welbourn 1999). One Myotis californicus was observed roosting (Appendix B: Photo 12). In addition, a green ratsnake (Senticolis triaspis) was observed just below the Adit R46 entrance. This snake species is crepuscular and is often found in Madrean Evergreen Woodland (Appendix B: Photo 19). To date, six bat species have been documented using this mine complex including C. mexicana, C. townsendii, E. fuscus, M. californicus, M. thysanodes, and M. velifer. Temperatures in the connection passage vary by only one degree - between 14 C and 15 C and relative humidity varies between 45 and 100 percent in the same period (Figures 9A and B). This is a cold and damp mine that may provide suitable hibernation habitat. Both of the loggers that were deployed over the cold season ( ) malfunctioned, likely due to the saturation at sample sites. WestLand Resources, Inc. 9

13 9A. 9B. Figure 9. Adit R46 Microclimate Data. Plot shows summer temperatures and relative humidity conditions in the connecting passage between R46 and R47 between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This is a mine used by six documented bat species during summer. See Appendix D: Figure D4 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 10

14 ADIT R47 Microclimate Data Survey, Internal Survey, and Emergence Survey Dates: May 16, May 29, August 30, and October 23, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner Adit R47 is a large and complex mine that connects with Adit R46 through vertical passages. In May, both microclimate loggers were missing (Appendix B: Photo 17) and were replaced two weeks later. No bats were observed. In August, a net 118 bats (162 outs and 44 ins) were observed exiting the mine during the emergence count and were acoustically identified as M. thysanodes and M. velifer. Two species, C. townsendii and C. mexicana, typically use this mine in the summer, but both have low intensity bat calls and can be missed acoustically. Internal mine temperatures above the large insectivorous guano pile varied between 17 C and 23 C, and relative humidity varied between 11 and 91 percent from May to November (Figures 10A and B). Temperatures and relative humidity in a dome where C. mexicana have been observed varied between 19 o C and 26 o C and 8 to 85 percent, respectively (Figures 11A and B). In 2012, a new insectivorous bat guano pile was observed during internal surveys. To date, six bat species have been documented using the R47-R46 complex including C. mexicana, C. townsendii, E. fuscus, M. californicus, M. thysanodes, and M. velifer. WestLand Resources, Inc. 11

15 10A. 10B. Figure 10. Adit R47 (Above Guano Pile) Microclimate Data. Summer temperatures and relative humidity conditions in the lower roost between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This is the site of a large insectivorous guano pile in Adit R47, a documented C. townsendii, M. thysanodes, M. velifer and C. mexicana roost. WestLand Resources, Inc. 12

16 11A. 11B. Figure 11. Adit R47 Dome Microclimate Data. Plots show summer temperatures and relative humidity conditions between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This location has been the site of observed C. mexicana day-roosting. WestLand Resources, Inc. 13

17 ADIT R49 Microclimate Logger Maintenance, Mine Mapping, and Emergence Survey Dates: May 29 and August 27, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This adit is a short, steeply sloping passage to a low dead-end room. There is a pile of insectivorous guano and nectar bat fecal splatter interspersed on the floor of the room. No bats were present when the mine was entered to deploy a microclimate logger on May 29, A map of this feature is provided in Appendix D: Figure D5. In August 27, the emergence count recorded C. mexicana (Mexican long-tongued bat), M. thysanodes and M. velifer (identified visually and using acoustics) for a net total of 73 bats (195 outs and 122 ins). Internal mine temperatures above the guano pile, where bats obviously roost, varied between 16 C and 18 C, and relative humidity varied from 33 to 79 percent from May to October (Figures 12A and B). WestLand Resources, Inc. 14

18 12A. 12B. Figure 12. Adit R49 Microclimate Data. Plot shows summer temperatures and relative humidity conditions in the roost between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This site is a documented C. mexicana day roost. See Appendix D: Figure D5 for specific data logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 15

19 ADIT R54 and R55 Internal Survey and Emergence Survey Dates: May 29 and August 27, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine has three entrances. The upper entrance (Adit R54) is a short passage with a shaft in the floor that connects directly to the horizontal passage of Adit R55. Next to the main entrance of Adit R55, there is a short pit that also connects to the main mine. On May 29, the mine was mapped and surveyed for bats (Appendix D: Figure D6). No bats were observed. On August 27, the emergence count at Adit R54 documented out = 10, in = 12, for a net = -2 bats. The emergence count at Adit R55 documented bats out = 23, in = 18, for a net = 5 bats. No microclimate loggers are deployed in this site FEATURES OUTSIDE THE ROSEMONT PROJECT FOOTPRINT Copper Duke Mine Feature 1 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine is marked on the USGS Topographic map as the Copper Duke Mine and has an obvious entrance. The mine is approximately 20 m long and enters a large room at the working face. Two piles of insectivorous bat guano and staining from the oils from bat fur were observed below two star drill holes. One of the holes had three or four M. inside and were beyond reach (Appendix B: Photo 21). Copper Duke Mine Feature 2 External Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine is marked on the USGS Topographic map as the "Tip Top Mine" and has a very large waste rock pile associated with a vertical shaft. The mine was not entered due to safety concerns, an emergence (exit) count was conducted using two IR cameras with supplemental IR lights (Appendix B: Photo 23). Seven bats exited and six bats entered for a net = 1 bat. It This survey was conducted late in the season and the results may not represent the amount of bat use in this feature earlier in the warm season. WestLand Resources, Inc. 16

20 Copper Duke Mine Feature 3 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, and Ronnie Sidner This mine had only a small amount of waste rock, and no bat sign or roosting bats were observed. Copper Duke Mine Feature 4 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine feature was found from its waste rock pile, but the internal workings had totally collapsed. No bat sign or roosting bats were observed. Copper Duke Mine Feature 5 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine was about 20 m long with a bend in the back of the passage. Insectivorous bat guano on the floor, two C. mexicana (Appendix B: Photo 22) and at least one M. velifer were observed roosting. Copper Duke Mine Feature 6 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine had a small amount of waste rock and only went about 3 m to twilight conditions. No bat sign or roosting bats were observed. Copper Duke Mine Feature 7 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine had a small amount of waste rock with a shallow depression and may have been a mine that was closed with backfilled earth. No bat sign or roosting bats were observed. WestLand Resources, Inc. 17

21 Copper Duke Mine Feature 8 Internal Survey Dates: September 4, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher and Ronnie Sidner This mine had evidence of waste rock in front of the mine. The mine was about 20 m long and began with a low crawl that opened up into a 2-m high by 1.5-m wide passage in solid rock. There was no bat sign or roosting bats observed. Adit R2 Internal Survey Date: August 26 and September 23, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, and Corey Archer In August, internal survey began about 21:00. An Anabat II bat detector and a Sony Nightshot camera with three additional IR lights were used to monitor bats roosting on the ceiling from outside the entrance. To minimize disturbance to resident bats the site was not entered. During a 10-minute period L. yerbabuenae were observed entering and roosting on the ceiling of the main large room just inside the entrance. This confirms that this site continues to serve as a night-roost for L. yerbabuenae. During the September survey, the site was inventoried during daylight hours and inspected for new nectar bat fecal splatter, dead bats or day-roosting bats (Appendix B: Photo 1). There were no bats day roosting in the site, but there was extensive fresh fecal splatter on the boulders below the nightroost (Appendix B: Photo 2). Helena Mine Complex - Adit R37A Microclimate Data Survey, Internal Survey, and Emergence Surveys Dates: May 18, August 29, September 17, and October 25, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, Corey Archer, and Amanda Best. During May, a dead but well-mummified male L. yerbabuenae (Appendix B: Photo 25) and four nectar bats (three of which were confirmed C. mexicana) were observed day-roosting. One of these bats appeared to be pregnant based on its physical characteristics. In August, an emergence count was conducted and approximately 2,486 L. yerbabuenae emerged compared to 4,650 on a similar date in 2011 (Appendix B: Photo 35). In September, a second emergence count was conducted, and approximately 3,732 L. yerbabuenae emerged compared to about 2,021 on a similar date in 2011 (Appendix B: Photo 26). During a site visit at the end of the summer to download the loggers, the mid logger had been dislodged by roosting bats and was found on the floor covered with fecal nectar bat splatter (Appendix B: Photo 24). This data logger malfunctioned likely due to the high humidity at its location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 18

22 Internal mine temperatures at the back of the mine varied between 20 C and 27 C, and relative humidity varied from 10 to 100 percent from May to October (Figures 13A and B). A plot of three days of temperatures and relative humidity, during the time when there are bats in high numbers in the roost (August 9 11), indicates that the mass of bats roosting during the day raises the temperature, which drops each evening when the bats leave to forage (Figure 13C). Near the front of the mine, where bats appear to roost in large numbers and stage (prepare) to exit, temperatures ranged between 19 C and 29 C, and relative humidity ranged between 8 and 100 percent (Figures 14A and B). Winter temperatures between November and May varied between 16 C and 22 C, and relative humidity varied between 11 and 50 percent at the front logger. Microclimate at the mid logger during the same period ranged between 18 C and 21 C, while the relative humidity ranged between 15 and 47 percent. The microclimate at the back logger between November and May varied between 18 o C and 20 o C, and the relative humidity varied from 16 to 42 percent. WestLand Resources, Inc. 19

23 13A. 13B. WestLand Resources, Inc. 20

24 13C. Figure 13. Adit R37A Back Logger Microclimate Data. Shown are temperatures and relative humidity conditions at the logger in the very back of the mine between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). The third plot is of temperatures and relative humidity during 3 days when a large number of L. yerbabuenae are present in the roost. The temperature fluctuations reflect when bats are present vs. when bats are out foraging after sunset (C). The relative humidity is 100% throughout the period due to clustering of bats and deposition of nectar splatter. The same daily pattern is observed in the front logger when the bats are present. This site is a documented L. yerbabuenae summer roost. See Appendix D: Figure D2 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 21

25 14A. 14B. Figure 14. Adit R37A Front Logger Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions at the front logger between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This site is a documented L. yerbabuenae summer roost. See Appendix D: Figure D2 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 22

26 Helena Mine Complex - Adit R37B Microclimate Logger Maintenance, Mine Mapping and Emergence Surveys Dates: May 18, August 29, September 17, and October 25, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, Corey Archer,and Amanda Best. The entrance of this feature T s into the main passage of Adit R37A just inside the main workings (Appendix B: Figure D2). Emergence counts were conducted at this entrance and the entrance to Adit 37A. Few bats use this opening ; the majority of the colony emerges from the main entrance (Adit R37A). In August, 66 L. yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) exited from this opening, while 2,486 bats were exiting from the main entrance (R37A), for a total of 2,552 bats. In September, only 7 L. yerbabuenae exited from this entrance, while 3,732 bats were exiting from the main entrance (R37A) for a total of 3,739 bats. Helena Mine Complex - Adit R37C Internal Survey and Emergence Surveys Dates: August 29, September 17, and October 25, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, Corey Archer, and Amanda Best. The entrance of this mine is 3 m east of Adit R37B, but it accesses a separate mine (Figure 3). In August, 18 bats exited this opening during the emergence count, but most exited earlier than the L. yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) did from nearby Adit R37A/B. These bats also appeared smaller in size, suggesting insectivorous bats. This mine has both nectar bat fecal splatter and insectivorous bat guano. In September, four bats exited this opening during the emergence count, and again most exited earlier than the L. yerbabuenae did from nearby Adits R37A and R37B. In October, there were no bats observed hanging in the back room of the mine, however there was a black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) restricting access to the back passage of the mine. Helena Mine Complex - Adit R38A Microclimate Data Survey, Internal Survey with Mapping Trip and Emergence Surveys Dates: May 18, August 29, September 17, October 25 and November 26, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, Corey Archer, and Amanda Best. In May, four nectar bats were observed in the lowest room of the mine the Javelina Room named for a fully articulated collared peccary skeleton (Tayassu tajacu). A photo confirmed that three of these bats were C. Mexicana, whereas one was a L. yerbabuenae (Appendix B: Photos 32 and 33). The bats were not captured to confirm sex, but the L. yerbabuenae may have been a male. Most female L. yerbabuenae are having their young at this time of year in the Sonoran Desert of southwestern Arizona. However, there are records of L. yerbabuenae using caves in semidesert grassland in the spring. WestLand Resources, Inc. 23

27 In May, a Sonoran whipsnake (Masticophis bilineatus) was observed near the entrance of Adit R38A (Appendix B: Photo 34). In August, a total of eight bats were observed during the emergence survey. In September, nine bats were observed. In October, during the data logger download, at least seven L. yerbabuenae were observed roosting in the main horizontal passage (Appendix B: Photo 28). Because of their endangered status with USFWS, the mine was not entered. A site visit was conducted after the bats were gone in November to maintain the loggers. In November, a hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) was observed in the back joint of Adit R38A (Appendix B: Photo 33). A skunk has been observed living in this passage in a previous year. There was a lot of fresh scat (likely from the skunk) along the floor of this passage. A dead shrew (Notiosorex spp.) was observed along the trail leading up to the Helena Mine Complex (Appendix B: Photo 38). Internal temperatures and relative humidity vary greatly at the logger just inside the entrance and measured between 19 C and 31 C and between 3 and 80 percent, respectively (Figures 15A and B). The logger along the main hall of the mine, where L. yerbabuenae have twice been observed roosting, is a bit more stable. The temperature varied between 18 o C and 28 o C, and the relative humidity varied between 7 and 88 percent (Figures 16A and B). Above a winze near the back of the mine, temperature and relative humidity varied from 19 C to 21 C and from 22 and 95 percent, respectively (Figures 17A and B). Internal mine temperatures and relative humidity at the bottom passages of the mine (outside the Javelina Room) are very stable and only varied between 19 C and 20 C and 65 and 100 percent, respectively from May to November (Figures 18A and B). At the back of the mine (labeled Skunk Joint in Appendix D; Figure D3), the logger malfunctioned, perhaps due to the high humidity along this joint. Winter temperatures between November to May at the entrance varied 7 o C to 28 o C, and relative humidity varied from 3 to 73 percent (Figure 15A and B). Temperatures at the logger along the main corridor varied between 10 o C and 26 o C, while relative humidity varied from 5 to 69 percent during the same time period (Figure 16A and B). The logger above the pit malfunctioned and no winter data were collected. The temperature in the Javelina Room, off the lower passage, was fairly consistent at 19 C ± 0.06 Standard Error (S.E.) and relative humidity never varied from 100 percent (Figure 18A and B). The logger outside the Javelina Room, just 4 m from the Javelina Room logger, but in a passage with more airflow, varied in temperatures between 18 o C and 19 o C and 42 percent to 70 percent relative humidity. The logger in the back joint (aka. Pit) never varied more than a few tenths of a degree from 21 o C, but the relative humidity varied between 24 and 47 percent (Figure 17A and B). WestLand Resources, Inc. 24

28 15A. 15B. Figure 15. Adit R38A Entrance Logger Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions at the entrance logger between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This is a documented L. yerbabuenae and C. mexicana summer roost. See Appendix B: Figure D3 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 25

29 16A. 16B. Figure 16. Adit R38A Main Corridor Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions at the logger in the main corridor between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This is a documented L. yerbabuenae and C. mexicana summer roost. See Appendix B: Figure D3 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 26

30 17A. 17B. Figure 17. Adit R38A Pit (aka joint ) Logger Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions at the logger above the back winze between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). This is a documented L. yerbabuenae and C. mexicana summer roost, See Appendix B: Figure D3 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 27

31 18A. 18B. Figure 18. Adit R38A (Outside Javelina Room) Microclimate Data. Temperatures and relative humidity conditions just outside the lowest room (Javelina Room) between May and October (A) and how the data cluster during the summer months (B). Nectar bats are typically observed using this room in the spring and fall of the year, presumably due to its very stable temperatures and high humidity. This is a documented L. yerbabuenae and C. mexicana summer roost. See Appendix B: Figure D4 for logger location. WestLand Resources, Inc. 28

32 Helena Mine Complex -- Adit R38B Microclimate Data Survey, Internal Survey, and Emergence Surveys Dates: May 18, August 29, September 17 and November 26, 2012 Participants: Debbie Buecher, Ronnie Sidner, Corey Archer, and Amanda Best Adit R38B is a single, large domed room that connects to Adit R38A through a low crawl. In August, three C. mexicana were observed day-roosting in the twilight area of the dome. During the August 29 emergence count, 65 bats exited the roost but 66 bats re-entered. In September, 21 nectar bats exited the site during the emergence survey, most of which were probably L. yerbabuenae with a few C. mexicana. WestLand Resources, Inc. 29

33 4. DISCUSSION Surveys were conducted during 13 field visits in 2012 to evaluate 22 mining features (14 previously surveyed features and 8 features near the Copper Duke Mine that had not been previously surveyed by WestLand) within the Rosemont Holdings and vicinity (Table 1). New mines visited in 2012 are mapped on the Helvetia USGS 7.5-minute series quadrangle (Figure 6; Table 1). Site visits included mine entry (internal) to search for bats or evidence of bat use, such as roosting bats, bone material, insectivorous fecal material (guano), nectar bat fecal material (splatter), insect debris below night roosts, and staining on walls or ceilings. In addition, emergence surveys (external) were conducted on a subset of roosts to estimate colony sizes, and ultrasonic acoustic equipment was used to assist with species identification. Sketches of the internal workings of six features (Adit 38; Helena Mine Complex R37A/R37B; Helena Mine Complex R38A/R38B; Adit 46; Adit 49; and Complex R54/R55) were also made (Appendix D). In 2012, eight bat species (two nectar bat species and six insectivorous bat species) were documented using various survey methods (Table 6). A new bat species, Antrozous pallidus (pallid bat) was detected in 2012 (Table 6). This species was acoustically identified at Adit 38 and bat sign (discarded beetle elytra and large moth wings) had suggested this species was present in previous seasons. Pallid bats are found in the semidesert grasslands of southeastern Arizona (Adams 2003). As observed in previous years, bats were found roosting in some mines within the Rosemont Project area (Figure 5). In Chicago Mine (Adit 9), C. mexicana (Mexican free-tailed bat) were observed, as in previous years. As in 2011, C.orynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat) were observed using this feature, however, the small myotis observed in 2011 (believed to be M. californicus [California myotis]) was identified as Myotis velifer (cave myotis). It appears that the Adit 38/39complex may not be a maternity roost for Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat), as previously suspected during prior surveys. Additional monitoring is recommended in 2013, during spring, summer and fall, to confirm how the bats are actually using this mine. Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) were found at the documented night roost (R2) (WestLand 2009b) during This species was also found at the Helena Mine Complex (Adits R37A/R37B, and Adits R38A/R38B) on Forest Service lands in Mulberry Canyon north of the Project area (WestLand 2010, 2011, 2012). This feature was confirmed to be a L. yerbabuenae roost in 2009 with approximately 4,800 bats (WestLand 2010). In 2012, two emergence counts were conducted and there were approximately 2,486 L. yerbabuenae in August and 3,732 in September. These counts are a bit lower the maximum counts from 2009 (approximately 4,800 bats), 2010 (approximately 200 bats although surveys were compromised by rain), and 2011 (approximately 4,650). Of importance is the discovery of a single L. yerbabuenae roosting with three or four C. mexicana on May 18, This is an earlier timeframe than L. yerbabuenae have typically been seen in this roost. However, the lower section of this mine has very stable temperatures (20 o C) and saturated (100-percent) relative humidity, both conditions that might favor a tropical bat species. There are three known L. yerbabuenae maternity roosts in the Sonoran Desert near Organ Pipe National Monument, and numerous known post-maternity roosts are known in the semi-desert grasslands of southeastern Arizona, including the Helena Mine (Figure 19). WestLand Resources, Inc. 30

34 In the proposed Project water utility corridor near Gunsight Pass (features R8, R9, R44, R47, R48, R49, R54, and R55) a maternity colony for the nectar bat, C. mexicana was observed during the 2011 surveys. The locations of these features are mapped in Figure 4. To reduce human disturbance to maternity roost sites internal mine surveys were conducted in Features R46, R47, R49, and R55 were entered to map the internal workings and download or deploy microclimate loggers in mid-may, prior to the timeframe when pregnant or nursing female bats are expected to use the features in this area (Appendix D: Figures D4 to D6). Adit R46 was being used by the same species observed in previous seasons (M. velifer, Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat), and C. townsendii ) with the exception of M. californicus. Feature R47 had M. velfier and Myotis thysanodes (fringed myotis) emerging however C. mexicana and C. townsendii were not detected as in previous seasons. Emergence counts at Adit R49, C. mexicana, M. velifer and M. thysanodes were again confirmed using the feature in A net of less than 5 bats were observed at Adits R54 and R55 during emergence counts in 2012 and is similar to previous seasons. Evaluations of additional, previously unsurveyed features in the Copper Duke area on the west side of the Santa Rita Mountains led to the location of three features that had some evidence of bat use (Figures 2 and 6). These features are approximately 1,015 msouth of the proposed water utility corridor (Figure 2). Copper Duke Feature 1, Copper Duke Feature 2, and Copper Duke Feature 5 had bats roosting or exiting the mine (Table 6). Copper Duke Feature 1 and Copper Duke Feature 2 had a small myotis species utilizing the site while Copper Duke Feature 5 was being used by C. mexicana (Mexican long-tonged bat) and M. velifer (cave myotis). Seasonal microclimatic conditions varied within and between roosts. In general, temperatures and relative humidity were higher when bats were present (May through September) (Tables 4a and b). The range between lowest and highest temperatures across all surveyed roosts spanned 15 C in the warm season and 21 C in the cold season. These same conditions were slightly less variable in the warm season and more variable in the cold season of Relative humidity was highly variable, spanning 97 percentage points in both the cold and warm season. These same conditions ranged more widely in WestLand Resources, Inc. 31

35 Table 4. Summary of microclimate conditions recorded in roosts in Loggers specific locations are provided above the values. Only warm season data are provided. Feature ID Summer 2012 Temperature ( C) Relative Humidity (%) 38 & 39 Upper Lower Upper 8-84 Lower R46 Rt. Main N/A Connection Lt. Main N/A Rt. Main N/A Connection Lt. Main N/A R47 Above Guano Choero Dome Above Guano Choero Dome 8-85 R49 Above Guano Above Guano Helena R37A Front Back Front Back Helena R38A Front Above Pit Skunk Joint N/A Back Outside Javelina Front 3-80 Above Pit Skunk Joint N/A Range C 3-100% Note: N/A indicates that logger malfunctioned Back 7-88 Outside Javelina WestLand Resources, Inc. 32

36 Table 5. Descriptive statistics of all microclimate logger data collected during the warm season of The first row is the mean temperature (or relative humidity) ± standard error. The second row is ± 95% confidence interval. The third line is the minimum and maximum relative humidity (or temperature) during the 6 months the loggers recorded microclimate conditions. n = number of readings recorded from logger. Feature ID Logger Location n Relative Humidity Temperature 38 Lower Roost Upper Roost 1914 R37A Back Logger % ± 0.40 ± to % ± 0.47 ± to % ± 0.71 ± to o C ± 0.03 ± to o C ± 0.03 ± to o C ± 0.05 ± to R37A Mid Logger - N/A 1 N/A 1 R37A Front Logger 1919 R38A Entrance Logger 2048 R38A Main Corridor 2043 R38A Above Pit % ± 0.68 ± to % ± 0.43 ± to % ± 0.47 ± to % ± 0.39 ± to o C ± 0.02 ± to o C ± 0.04 ± to o C ± 0.04 ± to o C ± 0.01 ± to R38A Skunk Joint - N/A 1 N/A 1 R38A Outside Javelina Room % ± 0.23 ± to o C ± 0.01 ± to R38A Javelina Room N/A 1 N/A 1 R46 Connection Passage % ± 0.34 ± to o C ± 0.01 ± to R46 Main Left - N/A 1 N/A 1 R46 Main Right - N/A 1 N/A 1 R47 Above Guano 1759 R47 Choero Dome 1759 R49 Above Guano 1759 N/A 1 = malfunction of logger 57.64% ± 0.49 ± to % ± 0.46 ± to % ± 0.26 ± to o C ± 0.09 ± to o C ± 0.04 ± to o C ± 0.09 ± to WestLand Resources, Inc. 33

37 Table 6. Observations of bats and/or evidence of bat use and comparison between surveys conducted in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and No mine features were surveyed in Note: Former mine identification numbers are provided in parentheses under Feature ID. See Table 3 for four letter species codes Feature ID 17 (F-1) 18 (F-2) 19 (F-3) 29 (L) 30 (M) 33 (P) Chicago Mine: 9 38 & 39 (formerly S & S1) 40 (T) 49 (AC) 59 (AL) 62 (AO) New Splatter New Guano/ Insect Parts Nectar Bats Insectivorous Bats Y Within Project 2008 Observations 2009 Observations 2010 Observations 2011 Observations 2012 Observations Roosting bats present: M. velifer and C. mexicana. Roosting bats present: M. velifer and C. mexicana. N/A Two C. mexicana observed. N/A Y N/A M. velifer observed. N/A N/A N/A Y N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A N/A N/A Y Moth wings noted. Insectivorous bat guano and moth wings noted. N/A N/A N/A Y Bat guano noted. Bat guano noted. N/A N/A Y Y Y Y N Y N COTO MYVE COTO ANPA Y Y Y Y Y Y Nectarivorous bat guano and one C. mexicana observed L. yerbabuenae, C. mexicana, M. velifer, and possibly C. townsendii were observed roosting in the mine. No bats were observed exiting the mine, however configuration of the mine opening made proper placement of the video camera and IR sources difficult. Visited late in the year; insectivorous bat guano noted. Mine used by nectar and insect bats. M. velifer and C. mexicana observed. No evidence of bat use noted; however this feature appeared to have potential as a roosting site. No evidence of bat use noted; however this feature appeared to have potential as a roosting site. No signs of bat use observed, but this feature appeared to have potential as a roost. Nectarivorous and insectivorous bat guano noted. A nectarivorous bat (having loud wing beats) was also observed. Approximately 32 bats were observed exiting the mine. The count was stopped when bats began to re-enter the mine. A few ultrasonic bat calls were recorded from L. yerbabuenae, 50 khz myotis and 40 khz myotis. This mine is a day roost for nectar and insect bats. This feature was supporting a C. townsendii maternity colony. Mine used by nectar and insect bats; M. velifer and C. mexicana observed. Three C. mexicana present. M. velifer and C. mexicana present. M. velifer and C. mexicana present. N/A N/A Emergence counts conducted on June 15 with 45 out/64 in at lower entrance, 27 out/14 in at upper entrance. No bats were in residence during the second site visit on November 15. N/A N/A N/A N/A Fresh insectivorous guano present. One L. yerbabuenae, four C. mexicana (one with pup), one C. townsendii, and one myotis (likely M. californicus) observed. 19 Corynorhinus townsendii emerged during Aug 28 th exit count (46 from Adit 39 and 61 from Adit 38). L.epidoptera wings were also found on Nov 12. Three adults and two subadult C. mexicana and one M. thysanodes observed. Two adults and one pup C. mexicana were observed. Two adult Choeronycteris mexicana observed. Two adults and one pup C. mexicana were observed. Connected to DR01. N/A Four nectar bats were observed but unable to confirm species Three C. townsendii and 6 M. velifer in lower section of mine. Emergence count conducted on August 26 with 48 out/45in at lower entrance; with 14 out/11 in at upper entrance. Two sizes of bats & A. pallidus social directive call heard N/A N/A N/A N/A WestLand Resources, Inc. 34

38 Table 6. Observations of bats and/or evidence of bat use and comparison between surveys conducted in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and No mine features were surveyed in Note: Former mine identification numbers are provided in parentheses under Feature ID. See Table 3 for four letter species codes. Feature ID New Splatter New Guano/ Insect Parts 2012 Nectar Bats Insectivorous Bats Within Project 2008 Observations 2009 Observations 2010 Observations 2011 Observations 2012 Observations R N C. mexicana present. C. mexicana present. N/A R N C. mexicana present. C. mexicana present. N/A R N Insect parts and insectivorous guano noted. R N Insectivorous bat guano noted. R46 N Y CHME R47 N Y CHME COTO MYCA MYTH MYVE EPFU COTO MYTH MYVE R N R49 Y Y CHME MYTH MYVE N N N Feature was not entered, but it was observed that the air flow was notably good. Large piles of insectivorous guano and a dead M. velifer were noted. Traces of insectivorous guano noted. No evidence of bats observed. Insect parts and insectivorous guano noted. This feature appears to be a night roost for A. pallidus. One E. fuscus and six to eight nectar bats observed. More than 45 M. thysanodes (potential maternity colony) were observed. Large amounts of insectivorous guano and two mummified bats observed. N/A N/A An emergence count was conducted on June 24 with 25 out/ 36 in observed, with 20 M. velifer and 5 M. thysanodes night roosting. Five C. townsendii observed in feature on November 15 June 24 emergence count results: 73 out/ 28 in, one C. mexicana night roosting. It was found that Adit R46 connected with Adit R47. Five C. mexicana noted day roosting on November C. mexicana observed. Includes lactating females and subadults. Seven C. mexicana observed. Includes adults and subadults. Fresh insectivorous guano present. Four Choeronycteris mexicana observed. Guano and insect parts were also observed. 21 bats entered and 22 bats exited during emergence counts in August; An E. fuscus skeleton was observed inside. 94 bats exited during emergence counts in August (C. mexicana, C. townsendii, M. thysanodes, and M. velifer). N/A N/A N/A N/A In May, found a cluster of 24 M. velifer, one E. fuscus, one M. thysanodes, one M. californicus and one C. townsendii using the mine Two loggers missing in May. August 30 emergence count results: 162 out/ 44 in Net = 118 bats including at least M. velifer and M. thysanodes No evidence of bats observed. N/A Four C. mexicana observed. N/A Approximately 17 C. mexicana observed in last room of feature. Two small myotis observed night roosting. Two C. mexicana (July), ~20 C. mexicana (September), and 118 bats (C. mexicana, M. velifer, and M. thysanodes) emerging during exit counts. R54 N N CHME Y N N/A No evidence of bats. N/A See R55 R55 N N CHME Y N N/A 11 (A) N General scattering of insectivorous guano noted. Approximately seven C. mexicana observed day roosting. Supported roosting bats (potentially nectar bats due to their size). One bat observed leaving the feature, one entering during June 25 survey. Two to three C. mexicana were observed. August 27 emergence count results: 195 out/ 122 in, Net = 73 bats including C. mexicana, M. thysanodes and M. velifer August 27 emergence count: Net = - 2 August 27 emergence count: Net = 5 N/A N/A N/A WestLand Resources, Inc. 35

39 Table 6. Observations of bats and/or evidence of bat use and comparison between surveys conducted in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and No mine features were surveyed in Note: Former mine identification numbers are provided in parentheses under Feature ID. See Table 3 for four letter species codes. Feature ID 13 (B) 20 (B-1) 15 (D) 48 (AB) New Splatter New Guano/ Insect Parts 2012 Nectar Bats Insectivorous Bats N N Within Project 2008 Observations 2009 Observations 2010 Observations 2011 Observations 2012 Observations Insectivorous guano, nectarivorous fecal splatter, and five or more C. mexicana noted. Female C. mexicana with pup observed N Insectivorous guano piles present N R2 Y N LEYE N N A small amount of insectivorous bat guano was noted. This feature was visited late in the season. One L. yerbabuenae was observed day roosting. Nectarivorous fecal splatter noted. Connects to Adit A where bats were also noted. No bats in residents, but insectivorous guano present. Insectivorous guano piles present. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Insect parts noted. N/A N/A N/A A large L. yerbabuenae night roost was documented. DR Y N/A N/A N/A N/A Three adult L. yerbabuenae were observed. Two C. mexicana were observed in early July. Four C. mexicana were observed in late July. One female had used mammary glands. Is connected to Adit 62. Night internal survey on August 26 = active L. yerbabuenae night roost DR Y N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR Y N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR Y N/A N/A N/A DR Y N/A N/A N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A Guano and insect parts were observed. Possible nectar bat guano observed. Two Choeronycteris mexicana (one of which was a subadult) and one Corynorhinus townsendii were observed. DR N N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A One nectar bat exited but was not identified to species. One nectar bat exited but was not identified to species. DR N N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A DR N N/A N/A N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A WestLand Resources, Inc. 36

40 Table 6. Observations of bats and/or evidence of bat use and comparison between surveys conducted in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and No mine features were surveyed in Note: Former mine identification numbers are provided in parentheses under Feature ID. See Table 3 for four letter species codes. Feature ID Helena R37A Helena R37B Helena R37C Helena R38A Helena R38B Helena R38C New Splatter New Guano/ Insect Parts 2012 Nectar Bats Insectivorous Bats Y N LEYE N N Within Project 2008 Observations 2009 Observations 2010 Observations 2011 Observations 2012 Observations Large amounts of nectar bat splatter noted late in year. Y N LEYE N N This feature is a skylight for R37A. Y N Y Y N Nectar bat splatter observed. Y Y Y N LEYE CHME LEYE CHME Unknown species N An exit count was conducted and approximately 4,800 L. yerbabuenae emerged from this large roost. A few L. yerbabuenae exited here. Six bats (most likely nectar bats due to loud wing beat) were noted. N 20 to 30 L. yerbabuenae noted. 58 L. yerbabuenae observed. N This feature is a skylight for R38A and is connected to L. yerbabuenae roost in 37A. Four C. mexicana noted. No bats in residence on May 14 visit. Emergence counts conducted July 14 with 26 out/18 in, and more than 143 on August 7 (rained out). There were no bats in residence on the November 18 site visit. Emergence count conducted July 14 with 7 out/6 in, includes feature R37C. See R37B. No bats in residence on November 18 visit. On May 14 visit five C. mexicana, two L. yerbabuenae and one M. velifer observed day roosting. Emergence count conducted on July 14 with 31 out/14 in. Another count conducted on August 7, more than 13 bats were observed before the count was rained out. Five C. mexicana noted day roosting on final site visit November 18. Two C. mexicana observed July 14, also two C. mexicana noted day roosting in entrance room during August 7 survey. Approximately 4,650 L. yerbabuenae emerged the mine complex in August and 2,201 in September. See R37A Six to eight bats exited this feature. One C. mexicana and one L. yerbabuenae was also observed in November within this feature. Sixteen L. yerbabuenae exited this feature in September. One C. townsendii was also observed in this feature in November. See R37A Four C. mexicana were also observed in this feature. Found 4 C. mexicana on May 18 one pregnant Approximately 2,486 L. yerbabuenae emerged the mine complex in August and 3,732 in September. Most bats exit R37A but in August, 66 bats exited R37B and in September, only 7 exited R37B Emergence counts conducted in August = 18 small insectivorous bats & September = 4 small insectivorous bats. No bats in late October at site. On May 18 visit four C. mexicana and one L. yerbabuenae observed day roosting. Emergence count conducted on August 29 total = 8 bats. Another count conducted on September 17, 9 bats were observed. One C. mexicana noted day roosting on final site visit November 26. Mephitis macroura (hooded skunk) observed in November. Emergence count on August 29, 65 bats out/ 66 bats in. Emergence count on September 17, 62 bats out/ 41 bats in N No evidence of bats observed. No evidence of bats observed. N/A See R37A N/A R N N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A N/A N/A R N N/A No evidence of bats observed. N/A N/A N/A R N N/A Copper Duke Feature 1 N Y N MYVE or MYTH Large amount of nectar bat splatter and three C. mexicana day roosting were noted. N/A N/A N/A N N/A N/A N/A N/A Staining, guano, and 3 or 4 M. velifer or M. thysanodes in a drill hole. WestLand Resources, Inc. 37

41 Table 6. Observations of bats and/or evidence of bat use and comparison between surveys conducted in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and No mine features were surveyed in Note: Former mine identification numbers are provided in parentheses under Feature ID. See Table 3 for four letter species codes Feature ID Copper Duke Feature 2 Copper Duke Feature 3 Copper Duke Feature 4 Copper Duke Feature 5 Copper Duke Feature 6 Copper Duke Feature 7 Copper Duke Feature 8 New Splatter New Guano/ Insect Parts Nectar Bats U U U Insectivorous Bats Likely MYVE or MYTH Within Project 2008 Observations 2009 Observations 2010 Observations 2011 Observations 2012 Observations N N/A N/A N/A N/A N N N N N N/A N/A N/A N/A 7 ins and 6 outs observed during exit counts. Possibly M. velifer or M. thysanodes Did not enter due to safety concerns. No evidence of bat use. Feature is small. N N N N N N/A N/A N/A N/A Feature is completely collapsed. Y Y CHME MYVE N N/A N/A N/A N/A N N N N N N/A N/A N/A N/A N N N N N N/A N/A N/A N/A N N N N N N/A N/A N/A N/A 2 C. mexicana and 1 M. velifer observed roosting. No evidence of bat use. Feature is only 3 m long. No evidence of bat use. Feature is shallow. No evidence of bat use. Feature is 20 m long. WestLand Resources, Inc. 38

42 5. REFERENCES Adams, R.A Bats of the Rocky Mountain West: natural history, ecology and conservation. University Press of Colorado. Boulder, CO. 289 pp. Blehert, D.S., B.M. Berlowski-Zier, and G. Gargas Bat White-Nose Syndrome: An emerging fungal pathogen? Scicenc. Vol.323. January 9. Welbourn, W.C Invertebrate cave fauna of Kartchner Caverns, Kartchner Caverns, Arizona. Journal of Caves and Karst 61(2): WestLand Resources, Inc. 2009a. Agave survey of the Rosemont holdings. Unpublished report submitted to Augusta Resources b. Rosemont Holdings 2009 Bat Roost Survey. December 18. Submitted to Rosemont Copper. 25 pp. plus figures and appendices Revised Rosemont Holdings 2009 Bat Roost Survey. Unpublished report dated January 14, Rosemont Project 2010 Bat Roost Surveys. Unpublished report dated September Rosemont Project 2011 Bat Roost Surveys. Unpublished report dated February WestLand Resources, Inc. 39

43 FIGURES

44 ARIZONA SOUTHEAST PIMA COUNTY FLAGSTAFF PHOENIX YUMA TUCSON PROJECT LOCATION Approximate Scale 1" = 10 Miles Rosemont Holdings DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\Fig1 Vicinity.dwg T.18S.,R.15E., Portion of Sections 1,2, 10-15, 22-25, 35 & 36, T.19S.,R.15E., Portions of Sections 1 & 2, T.18S.,R.16E., Portion of Sections 6-8, 14-23, & 27-33, T.19S.,R.16E., Portions of Sections 4, 5, & 6. Pima County, Arizona Mt. Fagan, Empire Ranch, Corona de Tucson & Helvetia USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangles ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Vicinity Map Figure 1

45 Path: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\MXD\Revised_Fig_3_13_2013\Fig2_Overview_key.mxd Date: 3/20/2013 User: reneew ") ")") ")") ") ") ") ") ") Figure 6 Figure 3 ") ") ") ") Figure 4 ") ") ") Figure 5 Pima County, Arizona, Image Source:Corona De Tucson, Mount Fagan, Helvetia and Empire Ranch USGS 7.5' Quadrangles ± 0 1,250 2,500 Feet Legend Rosemont Holdings Boundary Proposed Footprint of Mine Boundary Proposed Project Utility Corridor ") Mine Feature ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Overview of Surveyed Mine Features Figure 2

46 Path: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\MXD\Revised_Fig_3_13_2013\Fig3_Helena_Mine_Complex.mxd Date: 3/20/2013 User: reneew R37C R37A R38B R38A ") ") ") ") ") R37B ± ,000 Feet Legend Rosemont Holdings Boundary ") Mine Feature ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Surveyed Mine Features- Helena Mine Complex Figure 3

47 Path: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\MXD\Revised_Fig_3_13_2013\Fig4_Gunsight_Pass_Area.mxd Date: 3/20/2013 User: reneew R46 ") ") R49 ") ") R47 R55 ± ,000 Feet Legend Rosemont Holdings Boundary Proposed Footprint of Mine Boundary Proposed Project Utility Corridor ") Mine Feature ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Surveyed Mine Features Along Proposed Project Utility Corridor Figure 4

48 Path: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\MXD\Revised_Fig_3_13_2013\Fig5_Sycamore_Wasp_Canyons.mxd Date: 3/20/2013 User: reneew 38 ") ") Chicago Mine (9) ") R2 ± ,000 Feet Legend Rosemont Holdings Boundary Proposed Footprint of Mine Boundary ") Mine Feature ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Surveyed Mine Features Within Project Footprint and Along Sycamore and Wasp Canyons Figure 5

49 Path: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\MXD\Revised_Fig_3_13_2013\Fig6_Features_near_Coppper_Duke_Mine.mxd Date: 3/20/2013 User: reneew 1 2 ") ") 3 4 ") ") ") 5 ") 7 ") 8 ") 6 Mine features within T18S, R15E, Portion of Section 15, Pima County, Arizona, Image Source: Helvetia USGS 7.5' Quadrangle ± Feet Legend Rosemont Holdings Boundary ") Mine Feature ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Features Surveyed Near Copper Duke Mine Figure 6

50 ARIZONA MOHAVE COCONINO APACHE 40 Flagstaff NAVAJO 40 YAVAPAI 17 LA PAZ 10 PHOENIX GILA MARICOPA GRAHAM GREENLEE Yuma YUMA 8 Bluebird Mine Copper Mountain Mine Old Mammon Mine PIMA PINAL 10 TUCSON 19 Box Canyon Crevice Helena Mine 10 COCHISE Hilltop Mines Data Source: US Fish & Wildlife Service 1995, WestLand Resouces (Helena Mine) Project Location SANTA CRUZ Patagonia Bat Cave Manila Mine State of Texas Mine Maternity Roosts Post Maternity Roosts ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Miles Known Major Roost Sites of Lesser Long-nosed Bat in Arizona Figure 19

51 APPENDIX A US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOL

52 APPROVED USES National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol - Version The fungus Geomyces destructans (G.d.) is the cause of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that has devastated populations of hibernating bats in eastern North America. Since its discovery in New York in 2007, WNS has spread rapidly through northeastern, mid-atlantic, and Midwest states and eastern Canada. It continues to threaten bat populations across the continent. For the protection of bats and their habitats, comply with all current cave and mine closures, advisories, and regulations on the federal, state, tribal, and private lands you plan to visit. In the absence of cave and mine closure policy, or when planned activities involve close/direct contact with bats, their environments, and/or associated materials, the following decontamination procedures should be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of the fungus to other bats and/or habitats. For the purposes of clarification, the use of the word decontamination, or any similar root, in this document entails both the 1) cleaning and 2) treatment to disinfect exposed materials. Under no circumstances should clothing, footwear, or equipment that was used in a confirmed or suspect WNS-affected state or region be used in a WNS-unaffected state or region. Some state/federal regulatory or land management agencies have supplemental documents 1 that provide additional requirements or exemptions on lands under their jurisdiction. I. TREATMENTS TO REDUCE RISK OF TRANSFERRING GEOMYCES DESTRUCTANS 2 : Applications/Products: The most universally available option for treatment of submersible gear is: Submersion in Hot Water: Effective at sustained temperatures 50ºC (122ºF) for 20 minutes Secondary or non-submersible treatment options (for a minimum of 10 min.) include: PRODUCT Hard, Clorox (6% HOCl) Bleach Lysol IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner Professional Lysol Antibacterial Allpurpose Cleaner Formula 409 Antibacterial All- Purpose Cleaner non-porous surfaces Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Non-porous personal protective safety equipment All surfaces, including: porous clothing, fabric, cloth footwear, rubber boots DILUTION / TREATMENT (as per label) No Yes (headgear, goggles, rubber boots, etc.) No No No Yes (Do not use on ropes, harnesses or fabric safety gear.) No No No No Effective at 1:10 dilution (bleach : water) 3,4 Effective at 1:128 dilution (1 ounce: 1 gallon of water) 3,4 Effective at 1:128 dilution (1 ounce: 1 gallon of water) 3,4 Effective at concentrations specified by label 3,4 Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Effective at 0.28 % dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 3,4 1 To find applicable addenda and/or supplemental information, visit 2 The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this protocol is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by state and/or federal agencies of any product or service to the exclusion of others identified in the protocol that may also be suitable for the specified use. 3 Product guidelines should be consulted for compatibility of use with one another before using any decontamination product. Also, detergents and quaternary ammonium compounds (i.e. Lysol IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner) should not be mixed directly with bleach as this will inactivate the bleach and in some cases produce a toxic chlorine gas. All materials may present unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist. 4 Final determination of suitability for any decontaminant is the sole responsibility of the user. Use of some treatments which utilize such method need to be applied carefully, especially in confined spaces, due to inhalation or contact risks of the product. All users should be aware of these risks National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v

53 Other effective disinfectant(s) with similar chemical formulas (e.g., a minimum of 0.3% quaternary ammonium compound) or water based applications may exist but are unknown and not recommended at this time. REMEMBER, the product label is the law! It is the responsibility of the users of this protocol to read and follow the product label and MSDS. Products must be used in accordance with the label: Ensuring the safety of those who use any of the above products for treatment is of utmost importance. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) developed by product manufacturers provide critical information on the physical properties, reactivity, potential health hazards, storage, disposal, and appropriate first aid procedures for handling or working with substances in a safe manner. Familiarization with MSDS for chemical products prior to use will help to ensure appropriate use of these materials and assist in emergency response. It is a violation of federal law to use, store, or dispose of a regulated product in any manner not prescribed on the approved product label and associated MSDS. Disinfectant products, or their contaminated rinse water, should be managed and disposed of as per product label directions to avoid contamination of groundwater, drinking water, or non-municipal water feature such as streams, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. Follow all local, state and federal laws. State-by-state requirements for product disposal may vary. Note: Quaternary ammonium wastewaters should not be drained through septic systems because of the potential for system upset and subsequent leakage into groundwater. II. PLAN AHEAD AND CAVE CLEAN: Dedicate your Gear: Many types of rope and webbing have not been thoroughly tested for integrity after decontamination. Dedicate your gear to a single cave/mine or don t enter caves/mines that require this gear. Bag it Up: Bring bags on all of your trips. All gear not decontaminated on site should be isolated (quarantined) in a sealed plastic bag/s or container/s to be cleaned and disinfected off-site. Before Each Cave/Mine or Site Visit: 1.) Determine G.d./WNS status 5 of the state/county(s) where your gear was previously used. 2.) Determine G.d./WNS status 5 of state/county(s) to be visited. 3.) Determine whether your gear is permitted for your cave/mine visit or bat related activity, as defined by the current WNS case definitions 6 and the flowchart below. 4.) Choose gear that can be most effectively decontaminated [i.e., rubber wellington type (which can be treated with hot water and/or secondary treatment options in section I.) vs. leather boots] or dedicated to a specific location. Remember, under no circumstances should any gear that was used in a WNS-affected state or region be used in a WNS-unaffected state or region. Brand new gear can be used at any location where access is otherwise permitted. 5.) Determine if any state/federal regulatory or land management agency addendum or supplemental document 1 provides additional requirements or exemptions on lands under its jurisdiction that supplement the final instruction identified in the flowchart below. 6.) Prepare a Clean Caving strategy (i.e., how and where all gear and waste materials will be stored, treated and/or disposed after returning to your vehicle and base area) for your particular circumstances that provides for cleaning and treatment of gear on a daily basis unless instructed above to do so more frequently throughout the day. prior to entering cave environments and understand that products and corresponding procedures may cause irreversible harm. Always use personal protective equipment to reduce contact with these products, particularly when recommended by the manufacturer. 5 Visit to determine the WNS status of a county or state. 6 Visit for current WNS case definitions. National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v

54 7.) When visiting multiple caves/mines or bat research sites on the same day, clean and treat all gear between each cave/mine/site, unless otherwise directed in an agency/landowner addendum. It is recommended that known confirmed or suspect caves/mines be visited only after those sites of unknown G.d. status have been visited, to further reduce the risk of inadvertent transmission. Flowchart to Determine Gear Use or Decontamination National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v

55 After Each Cave/Mine or Site Visit: 1.) Thoroughly scrub and remove sediment/dirt from clothing, footwear, and other gear immediately upon emerging from the cave/mine or bat research site. Avoid contamination of vehicles; store exposed gear separately from unexposed gear. 2.) Once fully scrubbed and rinsed of all soil and organic material, clothing, footwear, and any appropriate gear should be sealed, bagged in a plastic container and once at home, machine or hand-washed/cleaned using a conventional cleanser like Woolite detergent or Dawn antibacterial dish soap in water (the use of Dawn antibacterial dish soap is not intended for use in conventional washing machines.) Once cleaned, rinse gear thoroughly in water. Clean/treat gear used in a suspect or confirmed state prior to transport when traveling back to or through a state without known cases of G.d./WNS. Use the treatments listed under Applications/Products on page 1 for a minimum of 10 (products) or 20 (hot water) minutes. Remember: Many types of rope and webbing have not been thoroughly tested for integrity after decontamination. Dedicate your gear to a single cave/mine or don t enter caves/mines that require this gear. A.) Submersible Gear (i.e. clothing, footwear, and/or equipment that can be submerged in liquid): Clothing, footwear, and other submersible gear: Following steps 1 and 2 above, the primary treatment for all submersible gear should always be submersion in water of at least 50ºC (122ºF) for a minimum of 20 minutes, where possible. Some submersible gear (depending on material) could be soaked for a minimum of 10 minutes in the appropriate products listed in the Applications/Products chart on page 1, rinsed thoroughly in water again, and air dried. Note: Although commercially available washing machines with sanitation cycles often sustain desirable water temperatures, their efficacy for killing the conidia of G.d. is unknown. B.) Non-submersible Gear: Gear that may be damaged by liquid submersion should be cleaned according to the manufacturer s recommendation between cave/mine visits and when appropriate, follow steps 1 and 2 above in addition to following: Cameras and Electronic Equipment: Until effective techniques are developed to comprehensively disinfect cameras and electronics, it is recommended that these items only be used in caves when absolutely necessary. Regardless of the cave/mine visited, clean/treat cameras and electronics after each visit using an appropriate product listed in the Applications/Products chart on page 1. Equipment that must be used in the cave/mine may be placed in a sealed plastic casing (i.e., underwater camera housing), plastic freezer bag, or plastic wrap that permits operation of the equipment (i.e., glass lens is exposed) and reduces the risk of exposure to the cave environment. Prior to opening or removing any plastic protections, wipe the outside surfaces with an appropriate product described in the Applications/Products chart on page 1. Plastic freezer bag or wrap should be removed and discarded after each visit. A sealed plastic casing may be reusable if properly submersed in appropriate product as described in the Applications/Products chart and the functionality and protective features of the casing are not sacrificed (check with manufacturer). After removal of any outside plastic protection, all non-submersible equipment surfaces (i.e., camera body, lens, etc.) should be wiped using an appropriate product described in the Applications/Products chart. 3.) Reduce the risk of vehicle contamination and transport of G.d. to new areas by making sure to A) transport gear in clean containers, B) remove outer clothing/footwear and isolate in a sealed plastic bag or container prior to entering a vehicle. Storage container options vary considerably depending on the type of vehicle; but always clean and disinfect the outside surfaces of storage containers prior to putting them in the vehicle. C) remain outside of the vehicle after exiting a cave/mine or completing field work, D) change into clean clothing and footwear prior to entering the vehicle, and E) clean dirt and debris from the outside of vehicles (especially wheels/undercarriage). National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v

56 OBSERVATION OF LIVE OR DEAD BATS If you observe live or dead bats (multiple individuals in a single location) that appear to exhibit signs of WNS, contact a wildlife professional in your nearest state ( ) or federal wildlife agency ( or index.htm ). Do not handle bats unless authorized in writing to do so by the appropriate government agency. Note on the use of Pesticides/Products listed above: The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. (1996)) defines a pesticide as follows: (u) Pesticide The term pesticide means (in part) (1) any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. FIFRA defines a pest at 136: (t) Pest The term pest means (in part) (1) any insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed, or (2) any other form of terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life or virus, bacteria, or other micro-organism (except viruses, bacteria, or other micro-organisms on or in living man or other living animals) which the Administrator declares to be a pest under section 25(c)(1). This document is the product of the multi-agency WNS Decontamination Team, a sub-group of the Disease Management Working Group established by the National WNS Plan (A National Plan for Assisting States, Federal Agencies, and Tribes in Managing White-Nose Syndrome in Bats, finalized May 2011). On 15 March 2012 a national decontamination protocol was adopted by the WNS Executive Committee, a body consisting of representatives from Federal, State, and Tribal agencies which oversees the implementation of the National WNS Plan. This version of the protocol contains some modifications to the 15 March version, intended to clarify the recommendations for the appropriate use of treatment options. This decontamination protocol will continue to be updated as necessary to include the most current information and guidance available. National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol v

57 APPENDIX B SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

58 Photo 1. R. Sidner below the ceiling where Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) nightroost in Adit R2 during late summer/early fall. A night check on August 26, 2012 found a severalof L. yerbabuenae gathering on the ceiling and flying in and out of the mine. Photo 2. View of the heavy nectar bat fecal splatter on the boulders covering the floor of Adit R2. Photo 3. Cluster of 15 agave flower stalks (bolts) in a 200 x 100 area near Gunsight Pass on April 16, ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

59 Photo 4. View of the lower entrance of Adit 38 (formerly Adit S). This mine is located within the Rosemont Proposed Project Footprint. This adit is the likely the access point for the bear whose prints were observed in the muddy floor of the mine. Photo 5. D. Buecher surveying with a Suunto compass in Adit 38 ito prepare a map of the internal mine workings. This mine has both Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsendos big-eared bat) and Antrozous pallidus (pallid bat) using the site in the summer. This mine is within the Rosemont Proposed Project Footprint. Photo 6. A gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) found in the entrance of Adit 38 on October 23, ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

60 Photo 7. Cluster of three Myotis velifer (cave myotis) found in a wall vug in the Chicago Mine (Adit 9) on September 23, Photo 8. Weighing a Myotis velifer (cave myotis) with a spring pesola scale. This was one of 6 M. velifer found roosting in a lower room of the Chicago Mine in September 2012.This mine is located within the Rosemont Proposed Project Footprint. Photo 9. Detail of a male Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat) captured in Adit R46 on May 16, ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

61 Photo 10. Detail of an old injury to the lower wing area (plagiopatagium) on a male Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat) found in Adit R46 on May 16, The body mass of the animal was 8.5.gr. post-hibernation, suggesting that the bat had been able to overcome any difficulties in flight ability from this injury. Photo 11. Detail of an Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat) found in a star drill hole in Rosemont Adit R46 on May 16, Photo 12. Detail of a Myotis californicus (California myotis) found roosting in Adit R46 on October 23, ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

62 Photo 13. A rhadine beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Rhadine sp.) found foraging in Adit R46. These beetles dig up and feed on cricket eggs. Photo 14. A cluster of Myotis velifer (cave myotis) found in Adit R46 on May 29, An infrared temperature of the cluster was 11.8 o C (52.7 o F). Photo 15. Detail of a male Myotis velifer (cave myotis) found roosting alone in a star drill hole in Adit R46 on May 29, The bat weighed 8.0 grams. ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

63 Photo 16. Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat) found roosting in a crack between a wooden ceiling beam and the mine wall of Adit R46 (photo left). Right photo is of the male, whose body mass was grams. Photo 17. D. Buecher downloading a microclimate logger in Adit R47. In the winter, the loggers sample every 4 hours and in the summer, when bats are in residence, the sample rate is every 2 hours. The coveralls are a precaution against spreading the fungal pathogen Geomyces destructans (aka White Nose Syndrome) between sites, although there is no current evidence that this fungus is in Arizona. Photo 18. R. Sidner exiting Adit R47 after a bat census trip. The tyvek suit is another method to protect from spreading Geomyces destructans spores between sites. The tyvek suit or coveralls are used in only one site and then decontaminated before another mine is visited. ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

64 Photo 19. A green rat snake (Senticolis triaspis) found outside Adit R46 in October This species is crepuscular and is often found in Madrean Evergreen Woodland. Photo 20. A desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) found on the road to the Copper Duke Mine. There were a number of fruiting prickly pear in the area. Photo 21. A small cluster of Myotis velifer (cave myotis) found in a ceiling vug on September 4, These bats were found in Copper Duke Mine Feature 1. ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

65 Photo 22. A Choeronycteris mexicana (Mexican freetailed bat) found roosting in one of the Copper Duke Mine features on September 4, This mine complex is located in proximity of the Potential Water Utility Corridor. Photo 23. View of the camera layout during the exit count at the Tip Top Mine (denoted by the yellow arrow), a shaft associated with the Copper Duke Mine complex and located in proximity of the Potential Water Utility Corridor. Photo 24. Microclimate logger found on the floor midway along the length of Adit R37A.This logger fell from the sampling location and malfunctioned. ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

66 Photo 25. Fully mummified dead male Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat), found on the floor of Adit R37A (Helena Mine Complex). This mine typically has thousands of these nectar bat day-roosting during late summer/early autumn. Photo 26. Camera view of Adit R37A for an exit count on September 17, Photo 27. Fresh deposition of Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) fecal splatter at the end of the summer at the Helena Mine Complex. Photo taken during the microclimate logger download on October 25, ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

67 Photo 28. View along Adit R38A on October 25, 2012 when we found 7+ Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) day-roosting in the mine workings (see red circles Photo 29. Climb down to the lower passages of Adit R38A/B. A microclimate logger is deployed on the ceiling of this pit ( Pit Logger ) and two loggers are deployed in the lower passage. One is in the Javelina Room ( Javelina Room Logger ) and the other is on the ceiling just outside the Javelina Room ( Outside Javelina Room ). Photo 30. One of two dead Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) found in the area of the Javelina Room of Adit R38A on October 26, These carcasses were not present during surveys in May ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

68 Photo 31. Second dead Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat) found in the lower passage of Adit R38A/B on November 26, Photo 32 A Choeronycteris mexicana (Mexican freetailed bat) silhouetted in the entrance of Adit 38A (red circle) on 26 November, Just to the lower left is a black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) see yellow arrow. Photo 33. Two nectar bats found day-roosting in Adit R38A on May 18, The upper bat is a Choeronycteris mexicana (Mexican free-tailed bat) and the lower is Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat). These animals were found in the "Javelina Room". This room is typically warm (19.53 o C ± 0.01 S.E.) and about 100% relative humidity. ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

69 Photo 33. A hooded skunk (Mephitus macroura) found in the back of a narrow joint of Adit 38A/B. A skunk and extensive deposits of fecal material were also found in this passage in 2011, so we named theis area "Skunk Joint.'" Photo 34 A Sonoran Whipsnake (Masticophis bilineatus) found near the entrance of Adit R38A on May 18, Photo 35. View of the camera set-up (red circle) for an exit count from Adit R38A (yellow arrow shows entrance). This mine is close to Adit R37A and typically has fewer nectar bats in the summer, compared to Adit R37A. However, nectar bats have always been found later in the season in Adit R38A vs. Adit R37A. ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

70 Photo 36. A spider found after the exit flight near the entrance to Adit R49. Spider from the Family Zorocratidae: Zorocrates sp.. (Identification to genus by Jillian Cowles), Photo 37 Logger from one of the wettest sites in a Rosemont mines note the water drop of condensation on the logger. This logger malfunctioned, probably due to the ~100% humidity in the site and condensation getting into the logger port. Photo 38. Dead shrew (Notiosorex spp.) found near Adit R37 (Helena Mine complex) on October 25, ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 BAT ROOST SURVEY Q:\jobs\1000's\ \ENV\Bat Roost Survey\Rosemont Appendix B - Photopages 2012b doc SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS

71 APPENDIX C SELECTED SONOGRAMS

72 APPENDIX C. Bat call characteristics help distinguish between species based on 1) the maximum frequency of the calls during a call sequence, 2) the minimum frequency of the calls, 3) the duration of the calls in a call sequence, and 4) the frequency where the bat puts the greatest intensity during a bat call. Below are a few call sequences recorded during the 2012 survey. Sonogram 1. Bat call recorded during the exit count at Adit R46 on August 30, Call is acoustically identified as a Myotis thysanodes (fringed myotis). The maximum frequency = 59 khz, minimum frequency = khz, duration of the call = 2.64ms, call frequency with the most intensity = khz. Sonogram 2. Recorded during the exit count at Adit R49 on August 27, Call is acoustically identified as a Myotis thysanodes (fringed myotis). The maximum frequency = 52 khz, minimum frequency = khz, duration of the call = 2.79ms, call frequency with the most intensity = khz.

73 Sonogram 3. Recorded during the exit count at Adit R47 on August 30, Acoustically identified as a Myotis velifer (cave myotis). The maximum frequency = khz, minimum frequency = khz, duration of the call = 2.57ms, call frequency with the most intensity = khz. Sonogram 4. Recorded during a night-roost check at Adit R2 on August 26, Call is acoustically identified as a Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (lesser long-nosed bat). The maximum frequency = 95 khz, minimum frequency = 28 khz, duration of the call = 3.18ms, call frequency with the most intensity = khz.

74 APPENDIX D SELECTED MINE MAPS

75 Adit 38 Corynorhinus townsendii (approximately 50 bats in August 2009) have been documented using this mine, and this mine is a confirmed night roost for Antrozous pallidus (August 2012). LEGEND Passage N Low ceiling Ceiling Dome Pit Lower roost logger Photo B-B Sloping floor Boulder Upper roost logger B 0' 20' Ledge A Standing water B Photo A-A Shaft Entrance Muddy pool with bear prints A Entrance Adit 38 DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\D1.dwg Data Source: D. Buecher ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Map of Adit 38 Figure D1

76 Helena Mine Complex Adit R37A/R37B. This mine is a post-maternity roost for Leptonycteris yerbabuenae ( approximately 4800 bats in 2009). LEGEND Passage Low ceiling Back logger Mid logger B 0' 10' NOTE: Shading indicts heavy nectar bat fecal splatter deposition Large Hackberry Tree Entrance R37B Ceiling Dome A Pit Sloping floor B Boulder Ledge A Front logger Standing water Entrance R37A Most bats exit from Adit R37A Standing water DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\D2.dwg Photo B-B Data Source: D. Buecher Photo A-A ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Map of Adit R37A/R37B Figure D2

77 Helena Mine Coplex Adit R38A/R38B. This mine is close to Adit R37A and is used by Leptonycteris yerbabuenae and Choeronycteris mexicana. Entrance R38B A Entrance R38A 0' 20' B Main Corridor Logger A Entrance Logger Photo B-B Pit logger LEGEND Passage Skunk Joint Logger B Low ceiling Ceiling Dome Javelina Room Logger Pit Sloping floor DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\D3.dwg Data Source: D. Buecher Outside Javelina Room Logger Photo A-A Boulder Ledge Standing water ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Map of Adit R38A/R38B Figure D3

78 Adit R46. Five bat species have been documented using this mine: Corynorhinus townsendii, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis californicus, M. thysanodes and M. velifer. It is a lower section of the mine complex, Adit R46/R47. Connection Logger 0' 80' A LEGEND Entrance Adit R46 A Passage B Low ceiling Left Logger Photo A-A DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\D4.dwg Ceiling Dome Pit Sloping floor Boulder Ledge Standing water NOTE: Adit R46 is over 300m (900') long but only 2m wide. Line map shows passage alignments and distances. Data Source: D. Buecher Photo B-B B Right Logger B Continues across a pit - not crossed for safety reasons Dead end Dead end Dead end ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Map of Adit R46 Figure D4

79 Adit R49. Choeronycteris mexicana, Myotis thysanodes and M. velifer have been documented using this mine. A Logger A Open Skylight 0' 20' PLAN VIEW LEGEND Passage Low ceiling Entrance R49 Ceiling Dome Pit Camera Location Sloping floor Boulder DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\D5.dwg Ledge Standing water Photo A-A Found 10+ Choeronycteris mexicana in 2009 Logger Data Source: D. Buecher Guano/splatter on floor Camera Location PROFILE VIEW Entrance R49 ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Map of Adit R49 Figure D5

80 Adit R54/R55. A small colony of Choeronycteris mexicana has been documented using this mine. R54 Entrance A Low room where 7 Choeronycteris mexicana were found in 2009 A B B LEGEND View into R54 4' 1.5' Passage Low ceiling Adit R55 Entrance 5' Ceiling Dome Pit 0' 10' DWG FullPath: M:\Projects\ \2012_Bat_Roost_Fig\dwg\D6.dwg Sloping floor Boulder Ledge Standing water Data Source: D. Buecher Pit Entrance Photo B-B ROSEMONT PROJECT 2012 Bat Roost Surveys Map of Adit R54/R55 Figure D6