2025-03-14_PERMIT FILE - M2025016 (36)

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// PAGE 1 EXHIBIT H Raptor Materials, LLC Cogburn Sand, Gravel, and Reservoir Project February 2025 A Regular Impact (112) Construction Permit Application – Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, Office of Mined Land Reclamation exhibit h – Wildlife Information SECTION 1 In developing the wildlife information, the Operator/Applicant may wish to contact the local wildlife conservation officer. The Operator/Applicant shall include in this Exhibit, a description of the game and non- game resources on and in the vicinity of the application area, including: Section 1 Subsection A Through C a description of the significant wildlife resources on the affected land; seasonal use of the area; the presence and estimated population of threatened or endangered species from either federal or state lists; and Wildlife residents and visitors observed on area lands include a Bald Eagle nest located approximately 0.11 miles northeast of the northern project area boundary. Other migratory birds have been seen in the area, but no nests were observed within the project area. Game species such as Mule Deer will traverse the river bottom, open spaces and fields nearby; as will fur bearers such as prairie dogs, rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, fox, skunks and other non-game species. The project area contains a habitat that could be considered suitable for the eastern black rail. However, the South Platte River drainage is not considered in the black rail’s breeding range; therefore, there would be no effects on the species. No suitable habitats were found within the project area for the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. Section 1 Subsection D a description of the general effect during and after the proposed operation on the existing wildlife of the area, including but not limited to temporary and permanent loss of food and habitat, interference with migratory routes, and the general effect on the wildlife from increased human activity, including noise. No significant impacts to wildlife or habitat loss are anticipated by planned operations due to the abundant natural conditions of the surrounding lands and general expanse of the project area. Proposed extraction areas occupy less than 50% of the affected area. As with the current use as agricultural fields, temporary displacement of wildlife may occur over the immediate area of affected lands during active operations, while on-site speed limits will be posted at 15 mph to better assure the safety of wildlife in proximity to the activity. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES Raptor Materials engaged ERO, a natural resource and environmental consulting firm to conduct a natural resources assessment. ERO assessed the project area for habitat for Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ERO report is provided as an addendum to Exhibit H. ERO reports that the proposed project would not directly affect Preble’s meadow jumping mouse or monarch butterfly due to the lack of suitable habitat in the project area. No habitat was identified for the piping plover, whooping crane, and pallid sturgeon, nor would they be affected downstream due to depletions to the river. The project area contains habitat that would be considered suitable for the eastern black rail. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) currently only considers the Arkansas River drainage part of the