2013-10-07_REVISION - C1981025 (8)

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underground workings extend into the Middle Thompson Creek drainage. There are some old mine workings in the Middle Thompson Creek drainage, but there will be no new disturbances. Climate- Annual precipitation at the mine is approximately 22 inches, with upland areas receiving up to 35 inches. Approximately 65 percent of the annual precipitation occurs as snowfall. Vegetation- The mine permit area is characterized by five vegetation types: riparian woodland, mountain shrubland - dry and moist phase, aspen forest, and spruce-fir forest. Riparian woodland is prevalent along the Thompson Creek stream banks and its tributaries adjacent to the mine area. Soils- Topsoil in the Thompson Creek drainage is limited. Only a thin veneer of topsoil exists on the steep sides lopes of the ridges. Furthermore, much of the topsoil at the mine facility area was lost through historic mining disturbances Wildlife- The predominant types of wildlife inhabiting the mine site are elk, deer, coyote, grouse, beaver, and rainbow and cutthroat trout. Mountain lion, bobcat, and turkey are also found in the area. Approximately 200 elk inhabit Stony Ridge, while only about 50 elk inhabit Marion Ridge. They migrate into Stony Ridge during the winter. Deer locate primarily on the lower grassland during the winter, later moving to a summer range above the mine. There are about ten beaver dams in a quarter-mile area immediately downstream from the mine. Beaver have been introduced into the area by the company and are active in the spring and summer. Grouse are found on Stony Ridge and on other north-facing slopes. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are abundant and reproduce downstream from the mine, while rainbow trout live upstream as well. No endangered species are known to be present in the mining area, nor is there any critical wildlife habitat or high value habitat. Land Use- Historically, agricultural communities in the Roaring Fork Valley have produced cattle, sheep, and hay. Today, however, sheep production is extremely limited and, on a relative scale. Cattle are now the only significant agricultural commodity exported from the valley. Other land uses in this region are recreation, timber production, and mining. Recreational uses are seasonal and include skiing in winter; hunting in fall; and fishing, camping river rafting, and backpacking in summer. The Roaring Fork Drainage Basin has become a popular location for 5