2025-02-13_REVISION - M2020007 (6)

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EXHIBIT H WILDLIFE INFORMATION (CONT) near the irrigation ditches within the site have steep sides and do not have vegetative cover that is characteristic of Preble ' s habitat . In addition, the only possible habitat on the permit area for Ute ladies-tresses orchids would be the area between the Cannon Return Flow Ditch and the Platte Valley Canal - and this area is not being mined. Bald Eagles have been removed from the Threatened and Endangered list however they still fall under the Migratory Bird act . As noted above, there is an old nest on an adjoining property and a roost area mapped along the river northwest of the permit area. Mining will not take place close to this area prior to mining on the north end of Phase 2 . During the time prior to mining the north part of Phase 2 and the other mining phases, additional observations will be made to determine what actions are needed, if any, to prevent any conflicts with the mine ' s operation and any eagle activity. Update - 2025- the old eagles nest noted was blown out of the tree recently and destroyed. The eagles have rebuilt the nest approximately 440 feet to the north of the permit line leaving most of Phase 2 out side the setback area. I f any eagles are observed, the Denver Office of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will be contacted to confirm the observations and advise L.G. Everist on what actions should be taken to avoid disrupting the sites during nesting times. L.G. Everist will then take the appropriate actions to minimize disturbance to the nest or roost area. Project Effects to Wildlife Existing wildlife in the area is not expected to be significantly impacted by mining at this site. Temporary and permanent losses of food and habitat are not expected to be significant as the area of disturbance will be limited to less than 300 of the permit area at any given time. Haul road speed limits will be limited to 15 MPH or less . There may be some displacement of smaller birds and mammals during active mining operations in a phase, but once a reservoir is developed it will increase the habitat for shorebirds and water fowl. The revegetated areas may become habitat for small mammals . There will be no mining within the river corridor area, therefore leaving a transit area for larger wildlife and scavengers along the river to bypass the mining area. The ditch ROW' s and irrigation return flow area will also provide transit corridors through the mine as it develops . L.G. Everist, Inc. Ragsdale Reservoirs 45 Revised February 11, 2025