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in the conservation landscape. See Order, R. at 4407. <br /> The Board made numerous findings specific to the Mexican Spotted Owl, a <br /> species that requires special consideration. It found that the Mexican Spotted Owl <br /> is on the federal list of "threatened" species and that it is selective about where it <br /> nests. See Order, R. at 4407. The Board found that the proposed mining operation <br /> is entirely located in one of three Mexican Spotted Owl "critical habitats" west of <br /> Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, containing good quality foraging <br /> habitat, and possibly roosting habitat. See Order, R. at 4408. It found that <br /> approximately 325 acres of suitable Mexican Spotted Owl foraging habitat would <br /> be impacted by the proposed mining operation. See Order, R. at 4407. <br /> Rule 3.1.8(2) requires the reclamation plan to encourage the diversity of <br /> game and non-game species and provide protection, rehabilitation, or improvement <br /> of wildlife habitat. The Board found that the proposed mining operation is in an <br /> area of very high biodiversity significance and that it abuts an established nature <br /> preserve. See Order, R. at 4407. The Board found that while six hundred species <br /> of plants are located in the area, the reclamation plan only identifies twenty-two <br /> plant species for reclamation. See Order, R. at 4407. <br /> The Board concluded that Transit Mix's application did not adequately <br /> address the safety and protection of the wildlife, "including, without limitation, <br /> failing to take into account conservation of the Mexican Spotted Owl foraging and <br /> 21 <br />