2017-05-18_PERMIT FILE - X201723402

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Creek on the east to near Lay on the west. The proposed exploration area is located within the above-described segment, which includes most of the existing operating mines and is dominated by the Williams Fork Mountains. The outcrop of the Upper Cretaceous Mesa Verde group delineates the boundaries of the Yampa coal field. Site Geology The area to be explored exhibits outcrops of the Williams Fork Formation which, together with the underlying Isles Formation makes up the Mesaverde Group. The Williams Fork Formation is divided into an upper coal group and a lower coal group which are about 585-1045 feet thick and 950 feet thick respectively. The 35-70 foot thick Twenty -mile Sandstone member separates the two coal groups. Both coal groups are made up of alternating sandstone, shale and coal. The exploration area dips typically 2-4 degrees to the north. Hydrology The exploration area is located on a shallow outslope north of the Williams Fork Mountains. The area is drained by Buzzard Gulch, which flows into the Yampa River, which in turn flows into the Green River. Soils Current USDA NRCS soil series mapping provides a reasonable baseline soil study, and are indicative of soils derived from sandstones and shale's. Eighteen separate, and several complex series soil types were mapped by the NRCS. Site specific baseline soil studies conducted by Western Ecological Services Company during the Summer of 1979 noted that most of the soils developed within the adjacent Trapper Coal Mine Permit area are deep (40-60 inches) and develop from colluviums and some alluvial deposits derived from inter -bedded sandstone. Vegetation Non-native grasslands and croplands interspersed with upland swales are present within the proposed exploration area. These plant community types provide forage for grazing and wildlife use and may provide habitat for US Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Birds of High Federal Interest and Birds of Conservation Concern. Wildlife Although Moffat County is well known as a big game hunting destination in Colorado, the exploration area itself does not contain critical habitat for the two major regional big game species, Elk and Mule Deer, although both species are occasionally present within the area. Columbian Sharp -tailed Grouse are known to be active in a broader area to the south of the proposed exploration license area. Various raptor species use the area for hunting, particularly for ground squirrels, which inhabit the site.