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' EXHIBIT H-Wildlife <br /> ' The existing shale mine and proposed ash backfilling site is located in a transitional environment situated <br /> between the plains grassland and the dry shrub ecosystems. Native vegetation species in the grassland <br /> ecosystem have been replaced by mixed grasses (25 to 50 percent), forbes, and shrubs due to human <br /> activity (ranching). Dry shrub'ecosystems are dominated by dense to sparse deciduous shrubs on dry <br /> ' rocky sites. Localized micro-environments are present with larger shrubs and small trees dominating the <br /> northern exposures. <br /> ' Wildlife currently on the plains grassland ecosystem is mostly limited to species able to coexist with <br /> human activity. Mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles would be expected to inhabit the area. <br /> Raccoons, northern grasshopper mice and Ord's kangaroo rat each benefit from the altered environment. <br /> ' Waterfowl and shorebirds also benefit from increased numbers of constructed ponds and reservoirs in the <br /> vicinity. Based on the habitat type, certain lizards, snakes, salamanders, toads, and frogs are expected <br /> to inhabit the area. Ring necked pheasants, purposely introduced to the area, also thrive where cover is <br /> ' available. <br /> Native species in the area include mule deer, coyote and black tailed prairie dogs. Black footed ferrets, <br /> ' which were once present, are included on the EPA endangered species list,but are not believed to inhabit <br /> the area. Burrowing owls are present locally. Hawks are common over the plains grassland where <br /> rodent prey are abundant. <br /> ' Dry shrub ecosystems are characterized by fruit and seed producing plants and rocky outcropped hillsides, <br /> where food and nesting cover is abundant. Wildlife species are mostly limited to small mammals <br /> ' (chipmunk and gold mantled ground squirrel), reptiles and bird species (rufous sided towhee). Larger <br /> game animals (deer, elk, etc.) may also descend to the lower foothill areas when the higher elevation <br /> areas become snow covered. No endangered species are known to inhabit this area. There are no critical <br /> ' wildlife habitats present. <br /> The mine and proposed ash backfilling site is located in a grassland area and will not influence the dry <br /> shrub habitat. Reclamation will ultimately improve wildlife habitat. Table H-1 presents a listing of <br /> ' indigenous and transplanted wildlife species expected to inhabit or transect both the grassland and the dry- <br /> shrub ecosystem. <br /> f <br /> I H - 1 <br /> _I S - ► SERGENT, HAUSKINS& BECKWITH <br /> I rB I CONSULTING GEOTECNNICAL ENGINEERS <br /> PHOENIX TUCSN 1' DENVER/LAKEWOOD•SALT LAKE CITY.EL PASO ERENO/SPARKS <br />