2023-11-20_PERMIT FILE - M2023040

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Exhibit H-2 Mitigation:No additional mitigation is offered for mule deer.M.A.Concrete will reclaim all disturbed areas with an appropriate seed mix for this ecological zone which will reduce impacts to mule deer over the long-term. 4.5 Pronghorn There are no pronghorn mapped habitat areas within the parcel boundaries(CPW 2023b).Therefore,no impacts are anticipated to this species. 4.6 Black Bear and Mountain Lion Impact: Development of the gravel mine is unlikely to impact black bear foraging habitat due to the lack of suitable trees and shrubs that produce berries and acorns within the parcel boundaries.However,there is the potential for black bear to approach the project area due to the presence of food sources left available such as unsecured garbage containers.Mountain lion would most likely be attracted to the project site during winter months when mule deer may be present.Mule deer are one of the primary prey species for mountain lion throughout the year.The project area is not located within any mapped winter habitat areas for mule deer;therefore, it is unlikely that large concentrations of mule deer would congregate on the property attracting mountain lion. Winter habitat for mule deer is located south of the Gunnison River and it is likely that mountain lion would also remain south of the project area where food and shelter are available. The property would be fenced with wire fencing but it would not prohibit lions or bears from passing through the property or create a barrier to their movements. It is likely that wildlife will avoid the gravel mining operations during business hours due to increased activity in the area;however,wildlife in the area including lions and black bears have likely become somewhat habituated to human activities similar to that which will occur as part of the proposed gravel mine. The surrounding area experiences ongoing gravel mining operations,recreational trail users, and activities associated with the Mesa County Landfill. Mitigation: All garbage will be properly disposed of and placed in bear-proof containers. Garbage containers will be routinely checked and maintained to prevent overfilling and ensure the latches are in proper working order.No mitigation would be necessary for mountain lion. 4.7 Small Mammals& Reptiles Impact: There would be a direct loss of 83.4 acres over the life of the gravel mine operation;however, there would not be more than 19 acres of disturbance at any given time. Areas not actively being mined will be reclaimed with an appropriate seed mix.There is the potential for direct mortality and displacement to small mammals and reptiles that utilize the project area for crucial life functions during project construction and production of the gravel.However, it is unlikely the proposed project would have an impact to these species at a population level due to their abundance and suitable habitat availability at a landscape scale. Mitigation: With the implementation of the phased mining plan and reclamation plan, impacts due to loss of suitable habitat would be reduced;therefore,no additional mitigation is offered. 3.10 Fish and Amphibians There are no streams or perennial water sources within the project area to support fish and amphibian species;however,the Gunnison River is located approximately 1,700 feet south of the project area. Indirect impacts from increased sediment and/or chemical spills that migrate off site have the potential to impact species downstream in the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. Mitigation: Implementation of an appropriate stormwater management plan and spill prevention and control and countermeasure plan impacts to downstream fish and amphibian species would be mitigated. WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 14 September 2023