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2.04.11 Fish and Wildlife Resources Iuformation • <br />The Golden Eagle mine site occupies land which is adjacent to the Middle Fork of the <br />Purgatoire River in what is locally termed "Stonewall Valley". The physical <br />developments related to the underground mining of coal included office, warehouse and <br />maintenance buildings, coal storage and loadout, and development waste disposal area. <br />These activities utilized approximately 60 acres within an azea South of the Purgatoiie <br />River. The center of mine activity is approximately two miles east of the confluence of <br />the Middle and North Forks of the Purgatoire River. <br />A study of the fish and wildlife and their habitats has been completed by Dwight R. <br />Smith of Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. This study covers the <br />general permit area which was affected by the Golden Eagle Mine though the life of the <br />operation. Site specific information and literature are included as Exhibit 14, Fish and <br />Wildlife Information. <br />To supplement the existing fish and wildlife study conducted by Dwight R. Smith of <br />CSU in 1980 (Exhibit 14), a site reconnaissance survey was conducted on January 18-19, <br />1984. This visit provided habitat evaluation and mapping, a raptor and big game survey, <br />and general species occurance for the surface facilities expansion area. Observations <br />were made by recording sitings of species, scat, tracks, nests or dens, and other signs. No <br />statistical data was collected during the reconnaissance. <br />Vegetation of the area dictates wildlife habitat. As shown on Map 9, vegetation. conifer <br />shrub, mountain shrub, disturbed azea, and ripazian/stream habitats occur within the <br />permit area. Because of previous mining activities and other human disturbance, these <br />habitats are not considered to be of high interest, unique to the area, or crucial for any <br />area wildlife as an abundance of this habitat exists in the area. However, areas outside of <br />the existing mine facilities area support a wide diversity of wildlife. <br />Thirty-nine species of mammals have been reported as being fairly common in this area <br />of the state (Bissell, 1982). This list, with their habitat preference and relative abundance, <br />are contained in Exhibit 14, Fish and Wildlife Information. <br />2A432 (Permit Renewal Reuisiea - 3/3I/00) i <br />RN-Q~ <br />