Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />16 • <br />habitat requirements). Some will shift to adjacent areas, some <br />(particularly rodents, reptiles and amphibians) may be extirpated from <br />limited areas. To determine impacts precisely would require detailed <br />studies. <br />Net result of the mining operation obviously is some loss of habitat. <br />However, the impacts on larger mammals, songbirds and raptors which <br />occupy the ponderosa pine-oak, pinon-juniper and grassland types would <br />be quite small. On the other hand, some obligate species of riparian <br />and stream habitats may be disturbed to a greater degree. The greatest <br />impact would be expected at the Allen ~4ine where structures, roads and <br />holding ponds are lcoated within the riparian zone. Species that <br />might be adversely affected include raccoon (Proc?~on ZotorJ, white-footed - . <br />mouse (Peromyscus difficilisJ, wandering garter snake, great blue heron <br />(Ardec herodias), and common snipe lCapeZZa gaZLinago). For other species <br />occurring in this type, and which may be affected, see Appendix. <br />Fish <br />Closely associated with and interrelated to the riparian zone are <br />the stream habitats. These have been altered by mining operations in <br />several ways. In the past. roads were built across the river, requiring <br />fills and culverts. Diversions were constructed in the river. Refuse <br />piles were deposited up to the river bank at the Allen I4ine, e]iminating <br />riparian vegetation and often without providing suitable waterways to <br />the river from natural drainage systems behind the piles. Surface <br />erosion of old refuse piles is evident at the Allen Mine. , <br />