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III <br /> M-2001-001 Line Camp Pit Amendment#2 (Expansion) <br /> Exhibit H. WILDLIFE INFORMATION (6.4.8) <br /> 1. Wildlife species common in area: <br /> DOLORES RIVER VALLEY, NE MONTEZUMA COUNTY <br /> Deer, coyote, fox, cottontail and jack rabbits, raptors(falcon, eagle), magpie and songbirds <br /> (numerous types) on seasonal basis, skunk, bobcat, and numerous species of rodents. <br /> Unlikely that there are prairie dog colonies located in the area (none observed). Mining <br /> operations would not preclude passage of ferrets between any colonies which might exist. <br /> Neither elk nor beaver are identified as common species in the vicinity of the proposed <br /> project, according to information from NRCS, USFWS and CPW, but may be found in the <br /> area according to some residents. Deer and elk are seen on occasion. <br /> While there are species of trout and salmon in the Dolores River, since this is not a river <br /> operation, they are not listed and were not addressed by the agencies. <br /> 2. Threatened and endangered species impacted: <br /> DOLORES RIVER VALLEY, NE MONTEZUMA COUNTY <br /> From NRCS letter of 17 AUG 2000: <br /> As we discussed before, the bald eagle is the most common T&E species found on or <br /> near the site. This is usually winter use, but the potential for nesting always exists. The <br /> southwest willow flycatcher may also be present along the river bottom where dense <br /> stands of willow exist. <br /> Added notes/comments: preservation of upper-story cottonwood around pit provides <br /> habitat for raptors and other birds. <br /> From conversation with Terry Ireland, USFWS, Grand Junction office, 25 August 2000: <br /> Historic peregrine falcon aeries are located in the area, although the species has been <br /> delisted. This is not prime habitat for bald eagles. <br /> Canada Linx has potential for presence in this area. <br /> Boreal toad may occur in the area but is unlikely to be present. <br /> Consultation may be necessary to consider water depletion and its impact on the following <br /> endangered fish species: Colorado pike minnow, humpback chub, razorback sucker, <br /> bonytail. <br /> Added information/notes: existing and proposed ponds provide additional habitat for <br /> aquatic and avian species, and water depletion is actually reduced by replacing <br /> transpiration from plants with surface water evaporation, so that there is no significant <br /> increase in evapotranspiration. <br /> No known or likely prairie dog populations capable of supporting black-tailed ferret <br /> populations. There are no known prairie dog colonies in the area, so it is highly unlikely <br /> that black-tailed ferrets dwell in the area. No survey was carried out. <br /> 3. Assessment of mining impact on wildlife: <br /> Due to the poor quality of forage and grazing existing on the site, mining will have little or <br /> no negative impact on wildlife, as wildlife are not frequent users of the site. However, <br /> even short-term impact on wildlife will be beneficial, since the vegetated stockpile and <br /> non-water reclaimed areas will have better stands of forage available for wildlife than <br /> 5182-22-001 lArASTELINE, INC. Page 42 of 65 <br />