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<br />C~ <br />' WILDLIFE <br />TS80161 <br />EXHIBIT H <br />The proposed mine site is located in a transitional environment located between the <br />plains grassland and the dry shrub ecosystems. Native vegetation species in the <br />t grassland ecosystem have been replaced by mixed grasses (25%-50%), forbes, and shrubs <br />due to human activity (i. e. ranching). Dry shrub ecosystems are dominated by dense to <br />sparse deciduous shrubs on dry rocky sites. Localized micro-environments are present <br />' with ]argt;r shrubs and small trees dominating the northern exposures. <br />Wildlife currently on the plains grassland ecosystem are mostly limited to species able to <br />coexist v,ith human activity. Mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles would be <br />' expected to inhabit the area. Raccoons, northern grasshopper mice and Ord's kangaroo <br />rat each benefit from the altered environment. Waterfowl and shorebirds also benefit <br />from increased numbers of constructed ponds and reservoirs in the vicinity. Based on <br />' the habitat type, certain lizards, snakes, salamanders, toads, and frogs are expected to <br />inhabit the area. Ring necked pheasants, purposely introduced to the area, also thrive <br />' where cover is available. <br />' Native species in the area include mule deer, coyote, and black tailed prairie dogs. No <br />adverse impacts to deer are expected to occur. Black footed ferrets, once present, are <br />' included on the EPA endangered species list, but are not believed to inhabit the area. <br />Burrowinl; owls are present locally. Hawks are common over the plains grassland where <br />rodent prey are abundant. <br />Dry shrub ecosystems are characterized by fruit and seed producing plants and rocky <br />outcropped hillsides, where food and nesting cover is abundant. Wildlife species are <br />mostly litnited to small mammals (chipmunk and gold mantled ground squirrel), reptiles <br />' and bird species (rufous sided towhee). Larger game animals (deer, elk, etc.) may also <br />descend to the lower foothill areas when the higher elevation areas become snow <br />covered. No endangered species are know to inhabit this area. <br />The proposed mine site is located in a grassland area and will not influence the dry <br />' shrub habitat nor impact wildlife negatively. Reclamation of the quarry should <br />-29- <br />LJ <br />