2023-01-05_REVISION - C1981019 (13)

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(Symphoricarpos oreophilus) dominate the overstory. Dominant grasses are western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), mountain brome (Bromus marginatus) and green needlegrass Sti a viridula). Major forbs include lupine (Lu inus caudatus), wild onion (Allium spy.), yarrow (Achillea lanulosa), and arrowleaf balsam root(Balsamorrhiza sa ittata). The mountain shrub community is typically found on areas of higher soil moisture and deeper soils throughout the permit area. Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and Gambel's oak ( uercus gambelii) are the dominant overstory species in the community, with fairly dense stands of chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) occurring on north slopes and along drainages. The most abundant grasses are Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis), western wheatgrass and needle and thread (Stipa comata). Forbs include lupine, yarrow, bedstraw (Galium spy.) and American vetch Vicia americana). The aspen communities occur primarily on northwest facing slopes at elevations above 7,400 feet in the South Taylor Pit area of the Mine. Large continuous stands of aspen occurred along the upper portions of the West Fork of the Good Spring Creek in Sections 6, 31 and 32 and on the slopes leading to the East Fork of Wilson Creek in Sections 19 and 20. Aspen accounted for 13.6 percent of the vegetation in the Danforth Hills study area. In the South Taylor Pit disturbance area, aspen communities account for approximately 15 percent of the disturbed area. These aspen communities are concentrated, ranging in size from approximately one acre to 122 acres. The individual communities are shown on Map 4A and 4C of the PAP. More information regarding the aspen communities can be found in Volumes 12 and 15, Section 2.04.10 and in Exhibit 10, Item 5 of the PAP. 4.11 Land Use Land use information is found in Sections 2.04.3, 2.05.5, and 4.16 (Volume 1 for the East Pit, West Pit, Section 16 Pit, Facilities Area and Gossard Loadout; Volume 12 for South Taylor Pit; Volume 15 for Collom Pit) and Map 17 of the PAP. Specific findings are described in Section B, Item XII of this document. The land use of reclaimed lands is rangeland (4.16, PAP). Wildlife habitat is incidental to reclaimed rangeland as described below under Wildlife. Prior land uses within the permit area were primarily rangeland and wildlife habitat, with some agriculture (not disturbed by the mining activity). Land uses in adjacent areas are primarily rangeland and wildlife habitat. There is some dryland farming on level uplands and small areas of irrigated pasture and hayland along stream courses in the general area. Rangeland on the permit area is characterized as good condition sagebrush and mountain shrub range that, in the past, was variously grazed by either sheep or cattle during the spring, summer or fall. The rangeland also supports substantial populations of mule deer, elk, sage grouse, golden eagles and numerous other wildlife species at various times throughout the year. Post mine land use will support wildlife and livestock utilization. 4.12 Wildlife Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 Permit Renewal No. 8 Page 121