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EXHIBIT H—WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br /> (1) In developing the wildlife information,previous history information was used from <br /> the local Division of Wildlife letter attached on the next few pages. <br /> (a) <br /> The current land use of the parcel for the proposed pit is pastureland and rangeland with <br /> dryland farm ground nearby. The vegetation is dominated by native shortgrass prairie <br /> species. The local creek nearby is dry due to severe drought in the area. <br /> (b) <br /> The parcel of the proposed mining possibly provides habitat for various species <br /> throughout the year. The proposed pit area falls within the overall range and <br /> concentration area for possible mule deer, whitetail deer,pronghorn, swift fox, greater <br /> prairie chicken, lesser prairie chicken, burrowing owls, other raptors, pheasants, coyotes, <br /> songbirds, bats,prairie dogs, and other small mammals. <br /> (c) <br /> As per the letter, as of March 27, 2023,the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) <br /> listed the Northern Distinct Population Segment(DPS) of lesser prairie chickens as <br /> threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The proposed pit area falls within <br /> the Northern DPS defined by the USFWS. The County will consult with USFWS for any <br /> habitat information or concerns. <br /> (d) <br /> Impacts to wildlife, especially mule deer, whitetail deer and pronghorn, might be <br /> disturbance and displacement from habitat loss, increased human activity, and activity <br /> produced by heavy machinery. Wildlife will frequent the area less; however due to the <br /> small size of the proposed pit and surrounding habitat availability,the overall impact to <br /> wildlife is expected to be minimal. <br /> The current land is fenced to keep domestic livestock out so passage of wildlife is <br /> currently minimal. The current fence allows deer to easily jump, prevents entanglement <br /> of wildlife, and allows pronghorn to cross below. <br /> Noxious weeds pose a threat to native wildlife habitat anytime the soil is disturbed, so <br /> monitoring and controlling any noxious weeks that may become present on the proposed <br /> site to avoid further damage and the spreading of such noxious weeds. <br /> H-1 <br />