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2.06.E ,~iluviai Naiiey IFioors <br />Exhibit AVF-2 in this section shows the probable area of unconsolidated streamlaid <br />deposits for Middle Creek and Trout Creek. Middle Creek was originally included <br />because underground mining was contemplated in this area, however, the operation shut <br />down before mining ever approached Middle Creek and has never been affected. <br />As is seen from Exhibit AVF-2, the width of the unconsolidated streamlaid deposits is <br />much greater in Middle Creek than in Trout Creek. The deposits in Trout Creek should <br />not be considered an AVF for the following reasons: <br />1) the width of the streamlaid deposits is approximately 200 feet in the mine area and <br />also for a significant distance upstream and downstream. Alluvia] water is generally <br />present within 4-6 feet of the ground surface in most areas. In undisturbed areas of the <br />valley floor, vegetation consists of willows and occasional cottonwood trees. The <br />south-facing hillsides are characterized by oak brush and sagebrush while north-facing <br />hillsides are generally aspen communities. According to Rule 2.06.8(3)(c)(i)(A) and <br />(ii)(A), an AVF only exists when unconsolidated streamlaid deposits are of sufficient <br />size and inherent productive potential to support agriculture. The narrow width of these <br />deposits with steep slopes on both sides precludes their productive use for agriculture. <br />• 2) Trout Creek winds its way from side to side throughout the valley. With an average <br />width of 25-35 feet, the creek not only takes away from the usable width of <br />consolidated deposits, but the winding from side to side effectively slices the valley <br />floor into small, isolated pieces, which are difficult to reach by cattle. <br />3) The narrow valley width also contains County Road #29 and its right of way, which, <br />in total, occupies an additional 40 feet of the valley floor. <br />4) Prior to mining, the valley in and around the mine area was dominated by thick <br />willow establishment and was never used by the landowners, Knott Livestock and <br />Cattle, for any value in their ranching operation. The Knott family have operated a <br />ranching operation in the Trout Creek valley for nearly a century. The enclosed letter <br />from Bernard Knott verifies the pre-mining condition of the land. Remnants of the pre- <br />existing willow community are still seen both downstream and upstream of the mine <br />site. The Knott family never saw a value in removing the willows and planting crops or <br />other unique agriculture which would add value to their ranching operation, therefore, <br />the deposits in the mine area should also not be considered an AVF from the lack of <br />economic potential. <br />5) The Baumgartel property is located immediately downstream from the mine yard <br />• area. This property consists of a residence and some other storage buildings and once <br />housed the rural school for the local area. Part of this property, approximately 5 acres <br />Revised 6/10/98 212-1 ~~pier¢~~a/2/98 <br />0 ~~'/° <br />