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• Within the loadout area, the surface disturbance area, as delineated on <br />the Loadout Area Surface Ownership Map, (Map 2), is utilized for mining <br />related operations. Other areas within the loadout permit area are <br />utilized as undeveloped rangeland. Surrounding areas, as shown on the <br />Mine and Loadout Area Land Use Map, (Map 4), are utilized for undeveloped <br />rangeland, pastureland, hay cropping, residential, and limited commercial <br />or light industrial uses. <br />Chances in Land Use <br />Both mining and loadout operations were initiated in 1918 and have <br />continued without significant changes (other than addition of the west <br />loadout area) in affected areas or land uses to the present. Similarly, <br />land uses for adjacent areas have been stable, with land uses over the <br />past ten (10) years consistent with current uses. <br />Within the general area, areas utilized as undeveloped rangeland and <br />• wildlife habitat have been temporarily converted to mining uses or to <br />higher agricultural uses through irrigation. However, there have been no <br />significant changes in land use in the mine, loadout, or adjacent areas <br />over the past five (5) years. <br />Upon completion of mining and related activities, EFCI plans to return <br />disturbance areas to the prevailing land uses of undeveloped rangeland and <br />wildlife habitat which existed prior to development. <br />Land Use Capability/Productivity <br />Land use capability/productivity in the Southfield mine and loadout areas <br />is limited by the relatively arid climate, limited water availability, <br />poorly developed soils, and various socioeconomic factors. <br />With dominant uses of rangeland and wildlife habitat, undeveloped lands <br />exhibit a vegetative production potential of 400-1,600 pounds of air dried <br />• forage per acre. Production for sagebrush/grassland areas is relatively <br />consistent at 1,000 - 1,100 pounds per acre, while production for forested <br />2.04.3-5 <br />