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• Fish and Wildlife Plan <br />During the early stages of pre-planning for the mining operation, <br />Colowyo adopted a policy to return the land to a condition capable <br />of supporting the diverse wildlife populations which the area <br />currently supports. The assumption in the late 19TOs was that <br />shrub reestablishment would play a key role in wildlife habitat <br />mitigation. These early efforts were unique in that revegetation <br />with shrub species, especially native shrub species, had never been <br />an integral part of pre-mine planning in the West. Virtually no <br />information was available and very little was known about the <br />growth requirements of native species. To reach these early oC <br />objectives, Colowyo implemented revegetation and wildlife habitat ~~~~ <br />use studies designed to determine the feasibility and techniques of ~ v <br />revegetating disturbed areas with native shrub vegetation adapted <br />to northwest Colorado. However, after 14 years of experience, it <br />has become obvious that reestablishment of shrubs on the reclaimed <br />area is not critical to encourage wildlife use. Colowyo <br />implemented wildlife management and range management programs to <br />offset the potential impacts of mining on wildlife and to improve <br />the rangeland which had deteriorated after years of overgrazing. <br />• Other protection measures were also implemented to minimize any <br />possible effects of the increased mining activity. <br />Impacts of Mining Operations on Wildlife Resources Within the Mine <br />Plan Area <br />Several short term negative impacts to wildlife are to be expected <br />in the permit area. Removal of vegetation communities and habitats <br />will be the most direct impact, resulting in a reduction of food <br />source and cover. Non-mobile species will be destroyed in localized <br />areas as vegetation and topsoil are removed. Mobile species will <br />be temporarily displaced until mined areas are reclaimed. As the <br />mine progresses, some changes in topography will occur through the <br />removing of vegetation, rock outcroppings, draws, etc. which form <br />natural shelters. <br />Disturbance of soils will affect soil profiles, micro-climate, and <br />other soil properties. <br /> <br />2.05-65 <br />