2020-02-05_REVISION - M1998013 (27)

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perennial species that will support wildlife. The mining and reclamation will create a more diverse habitat than is currently present. Areas of open water will sustain additional species of reptiles and amphibians as well as shorebirds and waterfowl. The addition of the water will create fringe environments favorable to predatory mammals and raptors, as well as food and water sources for herbivores. With the planting of additional cottonwood trees and shrubs, additional strata and vegetation layers will be added to the site, creating improved cover, foraging, roosting, and nesting areas for wildlife. It has been our observation that the majority of riparian corridors along the Front Range of Colorado consist primarily of mature cottonwood trees with little or no recruitment. This being the case, there will come a time when the mature cottonwood trees are gone and the overstory structure of the riparian corridor will be lost. Reclamation within the permit area and cottonwood riparian corridor could, in the long term, be of great benefit in maintaining the riparian corridor. Planting cottonwoods of varying ages throughout the riparian corridor as part of the reclamation would provide replacement trees for the mature cottonwoods, and enhance the overall existing riparian corridor habitat. At this point, the proposed mineral extraction plan for the Vogl project site has not been finalized. Based on the reconnaissance information collected for this assessment, it is recommended that the riparian corridor area within the northeast area of the project site remain undisturbed, for the following reasons; the area contains a bald eagle winter night roost designated as significant wildlife habitat by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the area contains potential habitat for two listed threatened or endangered species, Preble's meadow jumping mouse and Ute ladies-tresses orchid, and the area is a mosaic of wetlands and waters of the United States. Exhibit H Page 4