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The wetlands to be disturbed for this permit are comprised of the following: <br />1) Willow wetlands along both banks of the river where the truck ramps will be installed. These <br />wetlands aze 30 feet wide x 60 feet long. These wetlands will be restored in the exact location once <br />mining is terminated. This is an area of 0.08 acres. <br />2) The depression on the permit azea has wetlands at the bottom due to the level being very close to <br />the level of the river. This azea consists of some sedges, willows and young cottonwoods. Although <br />it was made by the landowner, it is being considered jurisdictional. As shown on Map B-l, 0.17 <br />acres of this azea will be disturbed by the operation. This will be mitigated as described in the recla- <br />mation plan using a created wetland shelf along the north side of the mined out lake. <br />8. Wildlife <br />As shown on Map Exhibit B-1, the site is located in the first terrace above the North Fork of the <br />Gunnison River. The primary wildlife of concern aze eagles and fish in the river itself. The North <br />Fork of the Gunnison River at this location is not habitat for threatened or endangered fish. Accord- <br />ing to the area fish habitat biologist for the CDOW, the river levels get too low in the late summer <br />and fall which raises the water temperature making the area poor habitat for trout and other desirable <br />fish. Dan Kowalski, fish biologist with the CDOW, recommended that the final lake not be con- <br />nected to the river, since it would allow undesirable fish such as northern pike to breed in the lake <br />more than desirables such as native trout. This recommendation will be followed. <br />Elk and deer also use the site. Other small mammals and birds exist which will continue to use the <br />site after reclamation. Since most of the site has been previously disturbed and since the operation <br />will avoid the lazge cottonwood grove south of the operation, no significant impact on wildlife is <br />expected. By reclaiming the barren field to a combination of dry rangeland grass above the lake and <br />wetland shelves, the site may amact more wildlife after reclamation, particulazly waterfowl. <br />North Fork Pit March 04 13 <br />