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ExhibifN • Arkansas Darter The Arkansas darter, a candidate for federal listing and a state threatened species (Carlson 2001; CDOW 2001), prefers low-gradient streams and rivers on the eastern plains of Colorado. There are no knowri occurrences of Arkansas darter within the project area (CNHP 2001). The project will have no impacts to the St. Charles River. Mule Deer Mule deer likely use the riparian areas within project area yeaz-round. The riparian within the project area are all mule deer winter range. Winter range is an area that a population or portion of a population that mule deer use annually, in substantial numbers, only during the winter period. Pinyon/Juniper Habitat The pinyon/juniper habitat occurs as a series of small, narrow bands in association with the rough terrain and rock outcrops above the limestone outcrops on the western edge of the property in sections 23 and 26. The pinyon/juniper habitat occupies approximately 1.2 acres. The ferruginous hawk is the only TES species that could potentially occur within this habitat type. • The ferruginous hawk has been known to nest in short trees, including pinyon and juniper, but it is very raze in the region (Andrews and Righter 1992). Given the low occurrence level of the ferruginous hawk in this area, it is highly unlikely that one would nest within the pinyon/juniper habitat within the project area. EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT ON WILDLIFE Shortgrass Prairie The mining and operation of the facility will take place entirely within the Shortgrass prairie habitat in the project azea. An 8-acre box cut (1200 ft x 300 ft x 45 ft deep) will be completed to initiate the operation. This will remain open and contain the primary crusher and conveyance system. Production panels will be established so that approximately 15.5 acres will be affected in a given yeaz. As the panels progress, topsoil will be removed from areas to be' mined and deposited in aeeas that have been mined. This 15.5-acre annual surface mine area allows that only about 30 total acres of mining azea will be affected at any given time. Yt is proposed that each 15.5-acre panel will be fully reclaimed by replacirig the subsoil and surface organic soils on the floor of the pit (which will be about 30 to 40 feet below the original surface) and reseeding with an approved seed mixture. Black-tailed prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, and western burrowing owls will not be affected during the operation of the project since there is no suitable habitat for these AppExltibitsA-7-APP(I180)RevB/January 17,2002 H-6