2017-05-18_PERMIT FILE - X201723402

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Land Use Historical and post -mine land uses of the area within the proposed exploration license area and adjacent to the Trapper Mine have been rangeland and wildlife habitat. Grazing by cattle, sheep and horses was historically the primary agricultural use for the subject lands. However, usage by game animals, such as mule deer and elk, has resulted in hunting and outfitting becoming a rival use which, in some cases, has superseded the historical agricultural grazing uses. The principal use of reclaimed lands will continue to be for grazing of sheep, cattle and horses, and as wildlife habitat for such species as elk, mule deer, and Columbian Sharp -tailed Grouse. Climate The climate around Craig, CO, and in the area within and adjacent to the exploration area, can be characterized as a semi -arid interior continental climate with local variations due to topography. According to the Western Regional Climate Center, precipitation near Craig varies from 10-17 inches per year and averages 13.1 inches per year. Most precipitation occurs as a result of snowfall during November through May and averages 82" per year, with 13-15 inches of snow per inch of moisture. Highest average monthly precipitation generally occurs however during April, May and June during which period average monthly precipitation equals or exceeds 1.2" per month, predominantly from rainfall. In the rugged, steep and higher topography associated with the proposed exploration area, snow cover may accumulate and remain throughout the winter. The frost free period averages 98 days per year. Annual temperatures range from highs of 99 degrees F to lows near -40 degrees F; the average low is 26.7 degrees and the average high is 57.9 degrees F. The mean annual temperature for the Craig, Colorado vicinity is 42.3°F (5.7°C). This mean value is calculated from the National Weather Service (NWS) temperature data collected in the Craig vicinity for the forty four (44) year period between 1936 and 1979. Topography The topography within the proposed exploration area consists of two drainages that run south to the north in dendritic pattern. The West Buzzard drainage slopes 3% north and East Buzzard slopes approximately 5.5% north. The land surface is fairly consistent sloping to the north. The west area has a slope of approximately 1.5% and the east area has a slope of approximately 3.3%. The elevations ranges from 6200 - 6340 feet with the lowest elevation occurring to the west and the highest elevation occurring to the east. Regional Geology Trapper Mine, as well as the proposed exploration area is located within the Yampa coal field of northwestern Colorado which occupies parts of Routt and Moffat Counties, as well as a small part of Rio Blanco County. Steamboat Springs, just east of the coal field, and Craig, in the western part of the coal field, are the most significant towns near the Yampa Coal Field. The coal field itself is comprised of three basic segments. Most of the coal is contained in an east -trending segment approximately 47 miles long that extends from Oak