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6.4.8 EXHIBIT H —WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br />Wildlife Habitat Characteristics <br />Wildlife habitat types in and near the area to be mined include only pastureland and the <br />South Platte River riparian corridor. The area to be mined is currently vacant and <br />unused but was most recently used for horse pasture and was over -grazed. The <br />grazing tended to keep the vegetation short minimizing cover for wildlife and although <br />weeds have increased, is still in that condition. The area is suitable for species that <br />prefer sparse cover, such as horned lark (Eremophila alpestris). The riparian corridor is <br />outside the area to be mined. There are many large cottonwood trees within that zone <br />as well as willows. Some cottonwoods are also within the area to be mined on the west <br />side of the proposed permit area. These trees provide nesting habitat for species such <br />as American robin (Turdus migratorius) and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). <br />Common Species in the Area <br />The riparian corridor is outside the area to be mined. Large cottonwood trees (Populus <br />deltoides) present in the riparian corridor and on the site provide potential nesting <br />habitat for hawks, owls, tree nesting songbirds and fox squirrels (Sciurus niger). <br />However, no raptor nests have been observed in these trees during and since a late <br />April 2008 site visit. At the time of the 2008 visit, leaves were just starting to emerge <br />and raptor nests would have been easily observed, if present. The riparian corridor <br />adjacent to the site provides habitat for a variety of small and medium sized mammals <br />including deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus <br />floridanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). <br />Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species <br />One species listed as threatened and one listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and <br />Wildlife Service (USFWS), potentially use the proposed permit area. Preble's meadow <br />jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius preblei; PMJM) are listed as threatened. They are <br />associated with dense herbaceous riparian vegetation at the base of the Front Range. <br />They have also been shown to feed up to 330 ft from the stream (USFWS, 2004). <br />Several surveys to determine PMJM occurrence have been performed on the South <br />Platte River between Brighton and Fort Lupton. No PMJM were found during these <br />surveys (Plage, 2008). Habitat on this site is not typical of habitat where PMJM are <br />found. Therefore, it is unlikely that PMJM use the site. Clearance was obtained for <br />mining this site from the USFWS with regard to the lack for presence for PMJM and that <br />clearance letter follows this Exhibit H. <br />Black -footed ferrets are obligate inhabitants of prairie dog towns (USFWS, 1989). <br />Black -footed ferrets use prairie dog burrows for dens and their diet consists almost <br />entirely of prairie dogs (Fagerstone, 1987). No prairie dogs were observed on the site. <br />July 2015 Chavers Mining Resource <br />Regular 112 Permit Application <br />