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<br />n <br />~J <br />EXHIBIT H - WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br />The entire Hanna Ranch area consists of approximately 5094 acres. A <br />study conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for the entire <br />parcel is attached. It is divided into three vegetative zones: <br />irrigated farm and pasture land; riparian; and rangeland. Our <br />particular Site, located in the northwest corner of the ranch, is <br />classified as rangeland by the Division of Wildlife. The primary <br />game species are deer, cottontail rabbit, jack rabbit and scaled <br />quail. Important varmints and furbearers include coyotes, red fox, <br />prairie dogs and bobcats. In addition to these various animals, <br />one may also encounter the prairie rattlesnake and birds of prey. A <br />complete list of animals likely to be found in the area is presented <br />in tfie appendix of this exhibit. Please note that this report is <br />for the entire Hanna Ranch area. Since the proposed mining site <br />comprises such a small portion (21 acres) of the entire study area, <br />it is difficult to determine whether any of the larger mammals <br />frequent this portion at all, or that the proposed site will affect <br />such wildlife. Only those highlighted can be expected to be found <br />in the mining area. <br />The area does not have any seasonal use by sportsmen as this portion <br />of Hanna Ranch is closed to the public. There are various other <br />seasonal usages of the area: during the summer months this area <br />may be used for breeding. During the Spring and Winter months it <br />is viewed as a transitional zone. Table I summarizes the seasonal <br />uses of the area for each animal. <br />There are two Golden Eagles which live on or near Hanna Ranch. <br />While these birds do hunt over the proposed mining site, they do <br />not live nearby. The proposed operation should not effect these <br />birds. <br />The effect of the operation on the animal population is expected to <br />be relatively small due to the extent and methods of the operation. <br />The main effect that is foreseen is the loss of shrubs for protective <br />cover and browse. In order to minimize this effect, it is proposed <br />to remove all the brush and shrubs and create some brushpiles as <br />shown on the plan on the east edge of the site. This should provide <br />some habitat and protection. for the scale quail, rabbits and small <br />rodents. It is felt that this will help maintain the existing <br />population for this area, and hopefully allow it to return to the <br />normal cycle after reclamation and establishment of new shrubs. <br />The general effect on the wildlife from increased human activity <br />and noise will be very minimal because of the nature of the operation. <br />The mine will be operated on a periodic basis with periods of inactivity. <br />With the limited number of trucks and manpower that are available <br />for hauling, and the distance from Colorado Springs to the site, it <br />is anticipated that the majority of the time the mining site will <br />be unoccupied. Even when the mine is fully operational, we foresee <br />less than 10 people on the site at any given time. It is felt that <br />this will minimize the disturbance of wildlife inhabiting the adjacent <br />areas. <br />