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'cover' has been developed by relief in the terrain. I feel this may be quite useful for reestablishing the cover component prior to sufficient shrub growth...". • Once grading is completed, direct-haul topsoiling will be maximized ITab 21, Minesoil Reconstruction); that is, as much topsoil as possible which is removed from an area to be mined will be immediately distributed upon the graded spoil in areas to be reclaimed. Because of this the topsoil will maintain its viability, and native vegetation, especially those shrubby species found in the premining vegetation communities, can be more easily and readily reestablished. All disturbed areas will be topsoiled, mulched, and permanently seeded as soon as possible after disturbance occurs ITab 21, Minesoil Reconstruction, and Tab 22, Revegetation Plan) to minimize the amount oT habitat lost to wildlife at eny one time end to reduce erosional problems and possible increases in stream sedimentation As described in Tab 22, shrub and aspen islands will be established to provide habitat diversity, cover, and edge effect, items very important to wildlife species. These islands las shown on Exhibit 22-11 will provide cover and feeding areas over time within the larger reclamation blocks for big game, song birds, and small mammals, especially during the winter months. In addition, shrubs are included within the revegetation seed mixes to enhance reestablishment of shrub habitat. Shrub planting densities in the shrub islands will be 1,000 stems/acre and aspen planting densities will be 500 stems/acre. Further, the plant species used in the Revegetation Plen ITab 221 are predominantly native and have been selected because of their ability to provide nutritional forage and grazing to both wildlife and livestock. The Hydrologic Control Plan ITab 13, Facilities) end the Hydrology Monitoring Plan ITab 15) combine to assure that water quality and quantity for fish- and wildlife-related values will be protected. Selected ponds will be designed as permanent impoundments for both livestock and wildlife, pending regulatory approval. Information on specific ponds can be found in Tab 13 and Tab 15. The NPDES Permit INo. CO-000211 requires strict control of water quality as it leaves the mine site so that downstream impacts to fish resources in the Yempa River are protected. Further, the Water Rights Mitigation Plan, as approved in response to Stipulation No. 6 to this permit, has the added benefit of assuring water releases that will benefit fish, wildlife, and livestock during the period of mining activity. Threatened, Endangered, or Protected Plants or Animals. The only protected species known to breed within or immediately adjacent to the mine area is the golden eagle. Nest locations are shown on Exhibit 11-3. Discussion of monitoring for eagle nests follows. Should any new threatened, endangered, or protected plant or animal species for their critical habitat) be detected during operations or monitoring activities, the proper regulatory agency(iesl will be immediately informed and, after consultation, the best course of action will be determined. • 2 Revised 9/98