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Transit Mix Concrete Co. <br /> shrubland areas will be planted in clusters, or islands. This planting method was also <br /> recommended by CPW(WHC, 2017). These islands will vary in size and locations throughout the <br /> project area and will include ragged, irregular edges to increase the value of a planting to wildlife <br /> and to create esthetic interest. These islands will create a desirable interspersion of food and <br /> cover types and for better distribution of wildlife (Vogel, 1987). They also create escape cover, <br /> shelter and variety in food for wildlife while the nearby Little Turkey Creek provides the necessary <br /> water. As stated in the NRCS leaflet on elk habitat management(1999), "Elk are extremely large, <br /> adaptive, opportunistic animals that often respond favorably to habitat management and other <br /> land practices that improve or change the vegetative composition of an area." Innes (2011) <br /> documented that"Forests may serve as high-quality elk habitat where they provide forage as well <br /> as cover... Elk often use forests for cover, although they also occur where forest cover is <br /> unavailable." The reclamation plan is designed to improve upon existing and encourage future <br /> wildlife habitat. <br /> In addition to elk, wild turkeys are an important species within the project area. The south, east, <br /> and west facing slopes important for nesting and winter habitat will not be disturbed by Quarry <br /> development and will continue to provide primary and secondary habitat during and following the <br /> Quarry operations, which will protect wild turkey habitat at the site. Management prescriptions <br /> detailed in the NRCS Wild Turkey leaflet(1999) include planting "a mixture of native warm season <br /> grasses consisting of... big bluestem, little bluestem, sideoats grama, ... [and] Indiangrass" in <br /> order to provide nesting and forest cover for turkeys. In addition, they recommend planting <br /> ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and Douglas fir in order to create and enhance wild turkey habitat. <br /> The USFS Species Assessment (2005) specifies snowberry, skunkbush, and Kinnikinnick <br /> (bearberry) as important species for feeding and nesting. All of these species have been <br /> incorporated into this reclamation plan to provide wild turkey habitat. Turkeys prefer moderate <br /> slope gradients typically ranging from 20% to 40%. The fines stockpiles final slopes of 33% will <br /> provide slopes suitable for turkeys, and the plan has incorporated comments and is designed to <br /> further encourage turkey habitat and ensure such habitat is protected. <br /> Buildings and Structures <br /> All buildings and structures will be removed. Foundations will be broken up and buried on site <br /> during final reclamation. Metal and other debris will be hauled offsite and properly disposed of. <br /> Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry Permit Application <br /> October 3,2017 E-22 <br />