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Soils <br /> Two broadly classified soil complexes exist within the permit area. These are Typic <br /> Paleoborolls -Borollic Camborthids and Argic Cryoborolls- Cryic Paleoborolls. However, prior <br /> to mining, the Typic Paleoborolls -Borollic Camborthids soils covered the disturbed area. They <br /> occur primarily on uplands and are formed in materials weathered in place from soft shale. <br /> These clayey soils are moderately deep to deep, well drained and usually contain less than 35 <br /> percent rock fragments. Permeability is low, shrink/swell potential is high and potential frost <br /> action is moderate to high. These soils are used for rangeland, non-irrigated cropland, and <br /> irrigated hay and pastureland. <br /> Vegetation <br /> The permit area is situated below a western spruce/fir forest within both a mountain <br /> mahogany/scrub oak complex and a sagebrush steppe vegetation zone. The lower portions of <br /> Twentymile Park were historically dominated by low sagebrush community which has since <br /> given way to cultivated vegetation types and other agricultural practices. Somewhat higher <br /> elevations are dominated by big sagebrush or mountain shrub communities. The highest <br /> elevations and/or steep north facing slopes surrounding Twentymile Park are dominated by <br /> aspen, mountain shrub, and occasionally, spruce/fir communities. <br /> Within the permit area, existing vegetation is comprised of seven plant communities consisting <br /> of aspen, mountain shrub, sagebrush, sagebrush/meadow, pasture, cropland, and meadow. Of <br /> these, only four may be disturbed by surface facilities: sagebrush, sagebrush/meadow, pasture, <br /> and cropland. <br /> Wildlife <br /> Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general area. The most predominant are elk, mule deer <br /> and Columbian sharptail grouse. Other wildlife species include: black bear, cougar, rabbit, <br /> coyote, bobcat, red fox, rodents, bats, skunks, waterfowl, amphibians and reptiles. Two golden <br /> eagle nests are located on sandstone cliffs adjacent to the disturbed area within the permit <br /> boundary. There is critical winter habitat for elk, an elk migration corridor and elk calving <br /> grounds and critical sage grouse habitat within and adjacent to the permit area. Sage grouse <br /> critical habitat is located outside of the disturbed area. <br /> Cultural and Historical Resources <br /> Cultural and historic resources within the permit area include four historic sites and one <br /> prehistoric or protohistoric site. Two of the historic sites are undistinguished homesteads with <br /> no important architectural features and which are not associated with persons important in <br /> history. Another historic site is an uninhabited cabin with a corral. The Colorado State <br /> Historical Preservation Officer determined that this uninhabited cabin is an undistinguished <br /> structure with no important architectural significance and with no associations with persons <br /> important in history. The fourth historic site, the Foidel Canyon Schoolhouse, is listed in the <br /> National Register of Historic Places, and is located in the general area of the main facilities along <br /> Foidel Creek. It will not be undermined or subsided and is protected appropriately. The <br /> Foidel Creek Mine 11 August 4,2023 <br />