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SZ ,n <br /> ' o Transit Mix Concrete Co. <br /> species such as woodrats that can utilize rock slopes for foraging and nesting. It also creates <br /> important habitat for big horn sheep. <br /> Planting patterns will provide variety and diversity in types and arrangement of vegetation in <br /> order to benefit wildlife (Vogel, 1987). Trees and shrubs within the mixed conifer and mountain <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 <br /> the project area and will include ragged, irregular edges to increase the value of a planting to <br /> wildlife and to create esthetic interest. These islands will create a desirable interspersion of food <br /> and cover types and for better distribution of wildlife (Vogel, 1987). They also create escape <br /> cover, shelter and variety in food for wildlife while the nearby Little Turkey Creek provides the <br /> necessary water. As stated in the NRCS leaflet on elk habitat management (1999), "Elk are <br /> extremely large, adaptive, opportunistic animals that often respond favorably to habitat <br /> management and other land practices that improve or change the vegetative composition of an <br /> area." Innes (2011) documented that "Forests may serve as high-quality elk habitat where they <br /> provide forage as well as cover... Elk often use forests for cover, although they also occur <br /> where forest cover is unavailable." The reclamation plan is designed to improve upon existing <br /> and encourage future 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 <br /> the Quarry operations, which will protect wild turkey habitat at the site. Management <br /> prescriptions detailed in the NRCS Wild Turkey leaflet (1999) include planting "a mixture of <br /> native warm season grasses consisting of... big bluestem, little bluestem, sideoats grama, ... <br /> [and] Indiangrass" in order to provide nesting and forest cover for turkeys. In addition, they <br /> recommend planting ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and Douglas fir in order to create and <br /> enhance wild turkey habitat. The USFS Species Assessment (2005) specifies snowberry, <br /> skunkbush, and Kinnikinnick (bearberry) as important species for feeding and nesting. All of <br /> these species have been incorporated into this reclamation plan to provide wild turkey habitat. <br /> Turkeys prefer moderate slope gradients typically ranging from 20% to 40%. The fines <br /> stockpiles final slopes of 33% will provide slopes suitable for turkeys, and the plan has <br /> incorporated comments and is designed to further encourage turkey habitat and ensure such <br /> 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 /> March 9, 2018 E-24 <br />