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The winter range of bald eagle and elk is documented in the area of the project area, particularly <br />west of the Colorado River. The project area proper is consider as `overall range' for elk and mule <br />deer. <br />4. Presence and Estimated Population of Threatened or Endangered Species <br />No threatened or endangered species are in or use the project area according to CPW data. No <br />species listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act or the Colorado <br />Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act occurs within or near the Rincon <br />Materials area. Although the Canada lynx (threatened) and the greater sage -grouse (Colorado <br />Species of Concern) are recognized by Eagle County statutes as wildlife species of concern, no <br />appropriate habitat for lynx and no occupied sage -grouse range exist within a mile of the Rincon <br />Materials area. <br />5. Fish Resources <br />Trout, chub, and other fish can be found in the Colorado River; however no fish resources will be <br />affected by the mining operation. Since the Rincon Materials will be a dry pit and no stormwater or <br />operational water (process water) would be discharged to waterways, no impacts to fish or aquatic <br />species or their habitats are expected. Operational water would be purchased from a reservoir, and <br />the landowner's irrigation water would be used for reclamation. All water use for the Rincon <br />Materials would comply with State of Colorado water laws and regulations. <br />6. General Effects of the Operation on the Existing Wildlife <br />The Rincon Materials would result in temporary direct and indirect impacts to wildlife species <br />within the Project Area. Direct impacts to big game would include localized disturbance during the <br />life of the mine, due to noise and conversion of habitat. However, big game habitat in the vicinity of <br />the Rincon Materials is extensive, and big game species have the ability to move away from <br />disturbances to other similar areas and more suitable areas, such as BLM lands east and west of the <br />Rincon Materials, and the adjacent conservation easement on the Colorado River corridor. Portions <br />of the Rincon Materials area would remain undisturbed or would be reclaimed during the life of the <br />mine, remaining or becoming available to big game. The major ephemeral drainages that bisect the <br />Rincon Materials H-2 Greg I. icki and AxwwiatLN PLLC <br />February 2020 <br />