2024-10-28_PERMIT FILE - M2024055

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Exhibit J Vegetation Information The approximately 132-acre site contains approximately 105-acres of active agricultural land under a center pivot irrigation system and 27-acres of"dry corners"outside of the center pivot irrigation range. LTS is proposing to mine the upper 50-80 percent of topsoil from the irrigated portion of the site. Approximately 10-14 inches of topsoil will be removed, leaving at least 3-6 inches on site for reclamation purposes. Exiting vegetation is depicted on Exhibit C—Pre-mining and Mining Plan Map(s)of Affected Lands. Yearly crop yield averages for the Weld County area are listed below. As the proposed reclamation method is continued farming,pre and post mining yields are expected to be similar. • Corn Silage—22 bushels per acre • Alfalfa—8 tons per acre The height of a typical corn stalk is 6 to 12 feet tall. Alfalfa is typically 2 to 3 feet tall. According to the United States Department of Agriculture(USDA),Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) Custom Soil Resource Report,on-site soils consist of Kim loam, Nelson fine sandy loam, and Olney fine sandy loam. (see USDA-NRCS Custom Soil Resource Report in Appendix A). The Colorado Natural Heritage Program CODEX mapping software was used to evaluate natural features and conservation planning in the vicinity of the site. As the subject project is productive cropland in an agricultural area, and is adjacent to other cropland, State Highway 392, and rural residences, wildlife habitat fragmentation has already occurred and no significant further fragmentation will occur as a result of the proposed topsoil mining activity. The United States Geological Survey(USGS)National Land Cover Database(NLCD)depicts the site as covered by `Cultivated Crops' and `Barren Land.' (refer to CODEX USGS-NLCD Land Cover Map in Appendix B). The Nature Conservancy(TNC) Resilient and Connected Landscapes does not identify the site as important for resilient lands nor a significant climate corridor. The site is identified in 'less resilient' and `slightly less resilient' areas. (see CODEX TNC Resilient and Connected Landscapes Map in Appendix C). 111.1 LTS Performance Horses LLC AGPRO fe ssional s LTS Topsoil MineDRMS ■ DEVELOPERS OF AGRICULTURE Construction Material 112 Permit Case No.M-2024-XXX