2025-10-07_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (4)

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VEGETATION Vegetation communities in the project area include: Mountain shrub (dominated by Gambel oak), Aspen, Gambel oak, Spruce-Fir, Douglas fir and Grass/forbs. Vegetation and reclamation at previous MVB sites in the project area are described in documents titled, "Mountain Coal Company, West Elk Mine 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Reclamation Photograph Project”, Michael Ward Outdoors and Mountain Coal Company’s, “Annual Reclamation Reports, 2004 through 2007”, completed by MCC. Additional vegetation information is contained in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), August 2007, for the Deer Creek Shaft and E Seam Methane Drainage Wells Project, completed by the Paonia Ranger District. The Final EIS is is a stand-alone exhibit in the permit document, Exhibit No. 79. Additional Wildlife Habitat Evaluations and Inventory for T&E, Sensitive and Management Indicator Species” including breeding bird surveys were prepared by Michael Ward Outdoors and Monarch & Associates dated June 2005, 2006, 2007. Western Biology has done Evaluation and Inventory for T&E in 2024 and is continuing work through 2025. SOILS Soils vary from silty and sandy loams mainly derived from the Wasatch Formation, to organic humus covering clay soils observed in the Aspen groves. A sandstone and conglomerate bedrock is present throughout most of the mesas and ridges as observed from the rock outcroppings. The size of the proposed drill pads will vary and will range in size from approximately 0.50 acres to nearly 2.0 acres. Topsoil salvaged at other nearby sites for reclamation purposes indicates that revegetation is not an issue in this area. The revegetation of previous drill pad sites and roads in adjacent exploration areas has been very successful. To protect the resource, stored topsoil will be placed in a separate pile; the pile will be located outside of drainages and placed in an area where it will be protected from wind erosion; signs identifying the pile as “Topsoil” will be placed so as to prevent unintended contamination, compaction or use for other than reclamation purposes; alternate sediment controls (silt fence, straw wattles, erosion control blankets, or slash) will be used; and the pile will be seeded within seven days of its construction using a seed mix that will stabilize erosion. WILDLIFE Vegetation communities in the project area include: Mountain shrub (dominated by Gambel oak), Aspen, Gambel oak, Spruce-Fir, Douglas fir and Grass/forbs. Wildlife species associated with these habitat types are commonly found throughout this portion of the North Fork Basin. The project area is an important range for deer, elk, and bear. Other animals in the project area include coyote, rabbit, porcupine, beaver, squirrel, mice and other rodents. The proposed MDWs borehole project will be managed to avoid conflicts with the deer and elk on winter range and user conflict during big game hunting season. Operations will be located such as to not interfere with raptor nesting sites, including Golden and Bald Eagle, and Peregrine Falcon.