2020-06-23_REVISION - M2018037 (4)

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During our site investigation we observed several avian species within and adjacent to the project site. A great blue heron (Ardea herodias), red-tail hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Canada geese (Branta canadensis), and two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were all seen flying or soaring over the adjacent fields. No tracks, scat or nests were observed during our inspection. Seasonal Use With the exception of bats, the mammal species encountered during the site inspection or that potentially occur on-site are expected to be year-round residents or users of the site. The carnivore and ungulate species are not restricted to this site and tend to have relatively large home ranges (up to several square miles). The majority of rodent and insectivore species can be expected to reside on-site throughout the year, though many may hibernate during the cold months. Avian species may be year-round, temporary migrants, or summer residents of the site. Year-round residents would include the waterfowl, raptors, gallinaceous birds, pigeons, owls, and woodpeckers. The majority of the shorebirds and passerines would use the site during the spring, summer, and fall for feeding or resting during migration. Amphibian and reptile species of the site are year- round residents. Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat Potential habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) and Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) were evaluated based on results of a search of potentially occurring threatened or endangered species on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site for Weld County, Colorado. Additionally, bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest locations and winter night roost locales were evaluated from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) web site map of sensitive wildlife habitat and restricted surface occupancy areas for protected wildlife species. Potential habitat exists for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse within the cottonwood riparian corridor immediately adjacent to the South Platte River. As the current proposed project plan does not include disturbance to potential Preble's meadow jumping mouse critical habitat, no further evaluation was undertaken. If future project activities include disturbance to potential habitat, the permittee will obtain clearance and/or approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Potential habitat for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid is not present within the project site. The current proposed mine plan does not include disturbance to Ute ladies'-tresses orchid potential critical habitat, therefore, no further evaluation was undertaken. Exhibit H Page 2