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6.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES AND BIOLOGICAL CLEARANCES (Rule 2.02.292)(h)) <br />A discussion of the Biological and Cultural Resource surveys that were completed as part of <br />the BLM's Exploration application can be found in their evaluation and decision document <br />once it has been published. Until that time a brief summary can be found below: <br />Biology: <br />Vegetation cover types are projected to be consistent with the terrain and semi -arid climate found <br />on the upland area. Seven upland vegetation types are found in the original exploration area ranging <br />from Gambel Oak - Mountain Shrub to Pinyon- Juniper and minor amounts of Meadow, cottonwood, <br />riparian and aspen communities. The north area contains five upland vegetation types ranging from <br />Gambel Oak — Mountain Shrub to Meadow, Aspen and Aspen Regeneration communities and <br />minor amounts of Riparian. A wide range of wildlife species inhabit the general area, although use <br />and habitat values maybe limited by the semi -arid climate and terrain and vegetative cover types. <br />The area has been evaluated for applicable T &E species and no Threatened, Endangered or <br />Candidate species were found in this area. BLM sensitive species will be evaluated per license <br />requirements. <br />Cultural Resources and National Register of Historic Places <br />The roads and drill pad locations for the two new north drill sites have been surveyed for <br />Cultural Resources. Both drill pads were cleared with no cultural resources being found. One of the <br />roads to be used for accessing the drillpads did contain some lithic scatter, and the BLM is working <br />with SHPO to determine the best method for mitigation. It is Oxbows current understanding that we <br />will be allowed to drive on the in place road to access drillpads, as long as no or minimal blading or <br />improvement of that portion of the road occurs. Oxbow will work with the BLM archeologist to <br />ensure that no or minimal disturbance occurs through this area. Since the area is privately owned <br />and under conservation easement, both the landowner and the land trust would rather see travel <br />through this area than have additional surface disturbed to bypass the site. Whatever the final <br />decision is in the BLM's stipulations, Oxbow will abide by their decision. The three relocated drill <br />sites have not been cleared for cultural resources, and no activity will occur on these sites until they <br />have been cleared by a qualified archeologist. <br />7. Does the applicant wish any parts of this Notice to be considered CONFIDENTIAL? <br />No If yes, the material should be attached as a separate document and clearly marked <br />"Confidential. " Justification for requesting the confidentiality must be included with the <br />request. Note: Rule 2.02.7(2)(b) only allows confidential material that concerns trade secrets <br />or is privileged commercial or financial information which relates to the competitive rights of <br />the person intending to conduct coal exploration. <br />8. Has this complete Notice been put on file at the county courthouse in the vicinity of the <br />exploration area, as required by Rule 2.02.7? Yes, see letter of transmittal. <br />9. Have reclamation costs been included with this Notice to assist in determining the amount of <br />Performance Bond required, if any? No, <br />In <br />