2020-02-07_PERMIT FILE - M2020007 (2)

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EXHIBIT H WILDLIFE INFORMATION The following information is presented to address the requirements in Rule 6 . 4 . 8 - Exhibit H Wildlife Information. Significant Wildlife Resources Much of the land to be permitted is used as an active farm with many areas used for crop production. The species of wildlife found in the area around the property are those typically found on actively farmed areas such as turkeys, song birds, and duck and geese, as well as mammals such as skunks, mice, deer, fox, and coyotes . The larger game animals such as deer, fox, and coyotes are commonly seen along the South Platte River or in cultivated fields after harvest . In areas surrounding the water features crossing the site, there may be reptiles and amphibians . The smaller mammals and wildlife are usu- ally found around the perimeters of the active croplands and farm buildings wherever protective vegetation exists . No raptor nests were observed on the permit area however, an old eagles nest was ob- served on an adjoining owners property that is north of the permit area. We are aware of a winter roost for eagles located along the South Platte River to the north of the permit area. Since the pri- mary roost activity and nest are not in the permit area they will not be disturbed by mining. There is no nest identified on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) web site. Seasonal Use Many of the mammals that may potentially be encountered on the mine are expected to be year-round residents, or will come and go depending on their mobility. The deer, fox and coyote are not move- ment-restricted and tend to travel through many properties as part of their natural daily routine covering several square miles . The water fowl, raptors and other birds may use the property year-round with some migrating in the spring and fall . Shorebirds may use the site during the spring, summer, and fall for feeding or resting during migration. The smaller mammals may be displaced initially, but with the amount of surrounding area that will not be disturbed they will find places in and around the active mining areas . Any amphibian and reptile species that may be present on the site could be year-round residents, since they would likely stay in the areas around the site ' s water features (ditch setbacks) , which will not be disturbed by mining. Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat There are no threatened or endangered species on the permit area to our knowledge. A site review indicates there is no habitat for the PrebleIs meadow jumping mouse on the permit area . Areas near L.G. Everist, Inc. Ragsdale Reservoirs February 6,2020 33