2023-07-19_REVISION - M2021052 (22)

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Rifle Gravel Pit#I July 2023 1. Bald Eagle (Winter Forage, Winter Range) - Figure 18 Exhibit H1 Bald eagle impacts are discussed in Section 9.2.2 above. 2. Elk (Severe Winter Range, Overall Range) - Figure 19 Exhibit H2 The property does not provide effective severe winter range for elk, due to the historic presence of cattle on the site in the winter months. In addition, the shrub vegetation that elk typically rely on for browse in severe winter conditions is limited to low-palatability species typical of saline soils (greasewood and rabbitbrush). The high-nutrition shrubs that typify effective severe winter range are completely absent from the property (e.g., mountain mahogany, serviceberry, snowberry). In addition, the lack of vegetation cover and the constant visual and auditory evidence of human presence from the adjacent interstate highway further discourages elk use of the property during any season. 3. Mule Deer(Resident Population Area, Severe Winter Range, Winter Concentration Area, Winter Range, Overall Range) - Figure 20 Exhibit H3 The property does support foraging habitat for small groups of mule deer, based on observations during wetland delineation efforts. The effective habitat is largely outside the Permitted Area, in the denser and more productive vegetation of the wet meadows. The area of vegetation that would be removed and converted to open water represents a minor loss of foraging habitat for the local deer population, however similar foraging habitat is available in abundance in the surrounding area. The shallow gradient around the perimeter of the pond would prevent deer from becoming trapped in the pond, and the project would not prevent the local deer population from dispersing through the landscape as they currently do, since connectivity to adjacent areas would be maintained through the western (undeveloped) portion of the project area. 4. Osprey (Nest Site) - Figure 21 Exhibit H4 There is a mapped osprey nest 2.75 miles west (downstream) of the project area. No osprey have ever been observed foraging in the property area or traversing the property. The property does not contain large, open bodies of water that would be attractive foraging habitat for the osprey. The property contains only a few mature cottonwood trees that could potentially become nest sites for osprey in the future, and none of these trees would be removed as part of the proposed development. 5. Wild Turkey (Winter Concentration Area, Winter Range, Overall Range) —Not illustrated. Wild turkey have not been seen on the site, but the vegetation conditions do present marginal value as foraging habitat. There is extremely limited opportunity for roosting on the site given the lack of large trees. The area of vegetation that would be removed and converted to open water represents a minor loss of foraging habitat for the local turkey population. Similar foraging habitat is available in abundance in the surrounding area, and the project is not expected to have a significant impact on the local turkey population. Figure 22 Exhibit H5 depicts the previously-discussed USFWS-mapped potential federally- listed species ranges. 9.4 Effects to Wildlife Mining will remove the surface vegetation in phases; however, wildlife will likely avoid the parcel entirely once mining development commences, and the existing level of casual use will be displaced to adjacent unimpacted habitats along the southern bank of the Colorado River. It is expected that the itinerant species will continue to utilize surrounding habitats given the small area of the mine. After reclamation, the property will remain as a pond, with 59