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mining terrace would be maintained in their natural condition and available as corridors for big <br />game moving between BLM land and the Colorado River. The applicant would consult with CPW <br />regarding plant species for reclamation that would provide the maximum benefit to big game (such <br />as forage legumes). Constructed ponds in the reclaimed areas would provide a water source to big <br />game and other wildlife. Reclamation of part of the mined area to irrigated meadows and part of the <br />mined area and Facilities Area to native rangeland would create a mosaic of habitat types attractive <br />to big game. <br />Use of a conveyor system rather than haul trucks would potentially be less disruptive to wildlife, <br />because of the reduction in noise, dust, and air emissions associated with trucking. One possible <br />impact of the conveyor system is to temporarily change movements of deer and elk from high <br />country east of the project area to the Colorado River riparian corridor west of the project area. The <br />conveyor system is expected to be elevated an average of approximately 3 feet above the ground <br />surface and could present a visual and physical barrier to big game. However, game animals would <br />be expected to adapt to the physical presence of the conveyor and could be expected to pass under <br />it, especially where it would be more elevated across the gullied drainage patterns between the pit <br />areas. Alternatively, game animals could skirt around the active pit and conveyor system entirely, <br />given the expected relatively small active disturbance footprint of the Rincon Materials. Since the <br />project area is located primarily in low -occupancy summer range of mule deer and elk, and not in <br />critical deer or elk winter range, the presence of an operating conveyor in the project area is not <br />anticipated to have measurable effects on the overall productivity or health of deer and elk herds in <br />the area. <br />Direct impacts to small animals, especially burrowing reptiles and small mammals, could include <br />direct mortality and displacement during mining activities. However, these species and their <br />habitats are relatively common throughout the area and population level impacts would not be <br />likely; therefore, impacts would be minor. <br />Direct impacts to migratory songbirds and raptors would include disturbance and displacement <br />from the Rincon Materials area from mining activities. Wintering and migrating songbirds and <br />raptors are not expected to experience measurable short- or long-term affects due to disturbance or <br />Rincon Materials H-3 GrM I. wkki and As,�iates, PLLC <br />February 2020 <br />