2016-08-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981035A (4)

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Wildlife species have been observed within and adjacent to the active operations and have become adjusted to the operations. In some cases, wildlife (such as deer, small mammals, and birds) are less prone to predation within the active surface operations. GCC designed and developed the King II Mine surface facilities to minimize the footprint of disturbance. Further, GCC retained native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation within the surface facilities to minimize habitat fragmentation and disruption to wildlife utilizing the area. Post -construction, GCC reseeded surface facilities boundary areas, sediment control system areas, and topsoil stockpile areas to promote stabilization, sediment control, and habitat development. Enhancement of Wildlife Habitat: Post Mining The project will ultimately return the site to a topography and vegetation community similar (or better from a wildlife perspective) than that present prior to mine development. Prior to construction of the King II Mine, the area of surface facilities was a degraded corral and pasture area, dominated by cheatgrass, chamisa, ruderal weeds, and big sagebrush. There was little forage for wildlife species, with poor vegetation community structure and little species diversity. The existing hay meadow adjacent to the operation within Hay Gulch will not be disturbed during or post -mining, and will provide wildlife habitat throughout and after the operation. Permanent reclamation of the site will entail grading, respreading topsoil, and seeding and planting perennial native species that will support wildlife species. The mining and reclamation will create a more diverse habitat than was present prior to mining. With the planting of desirable native forage shrubs, additional strata and vegetation layers will be added to the site, creating improved cover, foraging, roosting, and nesting areas for wildlife. With control and/or removal of noxious species during the project, and the replacement of desirable graminoid, forb, shrub, and tree species, mining and reclamation will result in enhancement of wildlife habitat on site. Protection of Threatened and Endangered Species The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), administered by Colorado State University, was contacted to evaluate the potential for impacts to state and federally listed or candidate threatened, GCC Energy, LLC King II Mine Section 2.05.6 Page 1 a July 14, 2015 (TR -24 AR# 1)