Revised Final Environmental Study Report (24 MB) - Gold Canyon ...

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1. This statement is incorrect. Please review ESR Appendix 5. In addition to conducting two aerial
surveys in two years, DST also received caribou collar data from the OMNR from 1998 - 2012. All
of this data was used in the woodland caribou analysis in the ESR, Appendix 4 Biological
Constraints Report pg. 61-65.
In addition to DST baseline studies, GCU also provided logistical support and a FN helper to
assist the MNR in a caribou calving study conducted in the area during the 2012 field season.
2. Incorrect, please see the ESR, Appendix 5
3. Incorrect, please see the ESR, Appendix 5.
4. Please see comment #5 below.
5. The caribou cumulative effects assessment screening report took all of this information into
consideration with the exception of food sources. Food has been found not to be a limiting
factor for caribou except under extreme conditions such as those found on the Slate Islands.
6. A First Nations member assisted with all of the caribou field work, including the aerial surveys.
Open House sessions were conducted with local FN communities, at which participants were
asked to provide information on caribou and caribou habitat, as well as other biological factors
prior to the 2012 aerial survey and prior to the calving surveys.
7. The ESR and the Technical reports do not "state that insufficient data was available on woodland
caribou to make any conclusions about the herd." This is an interpretation of the TFTO. No
conclusions about the caribou herd were made in the ESR or the Technical reports. The ESR and
the technical reports provide data which concludes that the potential negative effects through
the construction of an access corridor can be mitigated. The authors of the ESR and the
Technical reports feel that the data supporting these conclusions is sufficient.
8. TFTO’s Recommendation is based on incorrect assumptions and information.
9. This statement is incorrect. Large mammals were assessed through two aerial surveys. They
were also assessed through the deployment of trail cameras throughout the study area. All of
the large mammals and furbearers mentioned in this paragraph are not species at risk, are
common throughout the study area and the boreal forest, and their habitat and ecology are well
understood, therefore a specific detailed study is beyond the scope of a Class C EA.
Gold Canyon Resources Inc.
Response to TFTO Submission for Springpole Access Corridor Final ESR
April 2013 Schedule 2/- 25-