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'. ~ • -4 • 5~ Exhibit D 1. The wildlife let*_er is expected daily. However, due to the low elevation of this site and mild climate (near Penrose) no measurable impacts upon wildlife or critical habitat seem likely. Further, the small size of the operation near the land otmers residence should permit at least a conditional approval by the h1I.kB pending a positive response from 63i.ldlife. 2. The SCS representative found little topsoil material or suitable support for vegetation on the near level stockpile storage area. (Please see the photographs of the area) Except for a small area identified as the"Cedar Area" on the map little vegetation and/or topsoil exists in r_tiis exposed .rock netting. The previous mining activity apparently covered what little topsoil existed with rocky fines and pebbles. The Soils Scientist probed the area and screened the mat- erial to determine the composition. Laboratory samples were taken. As indicated in his letter (Exhibit D-2) the entire area is essentially devoid of vegetation primarily because of the -limited water capacity and/or barren rock on the canyon walls. The small undisturbed area of cedar trees cn the entire site represents less than one acre on a very steep slope immediately below the prominent rock out-cropping. Climbing over this area revealed a surp.ri.zingly sparse stand of trees (because looking at i.t from below it appears quite dense). A thin horizun of topsoil material is comirigled with course rock and large chunks the size of an automobile or larger. Topsoil material ranges from zero to possibly 4" in pockets supporting fractured trees. No grass was observed in the area. In the event of mining in this area, it may be necessary to clear with chainsaws and cables. Preservation of topsoil material will. be ex.tre;nely difficult except in the lowest reaches of ttie slope. However, as indicated, every effort will be made to pre:;erve as much topsoil material as possible for future reclamation in the stockpile storage area below. Exhibit ESr~ 1. a) The maximum slopes on benches may be nearly level in some cases and about 3:1 on others inorder for equipment to safely operate. Bench sloping will be some what dependent upon the layering or plating as the rock shears off with blasting. The rise between benches, however, may be nearly vertical walls 25 - 40' high. This may be seen in the natural setting and even as an anticline in some places. The material left in place will be a solid rock wall b) Benches are planned for the purposes of both stability and mine safety. c) Establishing trees on the lowest level of the site will be difficult at best. Use cf topsoil material preserved from the cedar area should be used to create pockets of this material for planting and rooting trees. There are about six