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and reclamation are complete, the area will still only support a given number of <br />rabbits. This population will establish itself relatively quickly within normal <br />population cycles as long as any breeding populations exist on or near the <br />affected areas. The 20 rabbits "saved" per year will no[ be evident in future <br />populations. This same concept applies to all species of wildlife with varying <br />degrees of time factors depending on the fecundity of the species and existence <br />of a breeding population. All of the species [hat may be impacted are relatively <br />prolific and have ample breeding populations. <br />The most. significant effects to wildlife are brought about by increased human <br />activity in the area. These effects may be the most damaging because of their <br />unknown duration and intensity. Northwest Colorado has experienced, and is <br />expected to continue experiencing rapid growth related to coal and oil shale <br />development. This growth is inherently accompanied by increased human activity <br />including residential development, increased recreational use of all lands and <br />increased vehicular traffic. To the extent that Trapper Mine contributes [o this <br />growth, it also contributes to [he subsequent impacts on wildlife. It should be <br />noted however, that Trapper Mine is an existing project which reached full pro- <br />duction in 1979 and is therefore unlikely to make any further incremental contri- <br />bution to growth in the area. <br />The following discussions in [his section deal specifically with species deter- <br />mined [o be important as described in Section 2.4. While mitigative measures may <br />not be specifically directed Cowards small or medium sized mammals and songbirds, <br />these animals will also benefit from the implementation of such measures. <br />. The mitigation program is intended [o enhance the value of [he area and shorten <br />and reduce [he impacts of mining for economically important species (game ani- <br />mals) and critical species, i.e. raptors. The effectiveness of most mitigative <br />measures will be short lived. The only mitigation that will be permanent is suc- <br />cessful revegetation. Revegeta[ion with appropriate plant species is essential <br />to maintain and enhance wildlife use of the mine plan area and adjacent areas and <br />is [he most important facet of wildlife mitigation. Therefore, the primary and <br />`~ overriding objective of all mitigation and land management practices will be to <br />4-148 <br />