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sources. The 720 Pit area was stripped of topsoil between 1974 and permit issuance so a six inch layer of topsoil was saved and stockpiled regardless of the suitability rating. Soils were not removed prior to construction, since the tipple was built prior to topsoil salvaging requirements (Page 780-64). Additionally, fill material of a sandy loam to loamy sand texture was brought in to improve foundation material, drainage and elevation (groundwater table is high). Therefore, soil at the site was either buried or used to construct the berm that surrounds the site to the south and east. Vegetation The vegetation at the Marr permit area is described as a sagebrush steppe. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) predominates most areas, although alkali sagebrush (Artemisia ]ongaloba) communities are found. Absolute cover at the site ranges from thirty-five (35%) to forty-five (45%) percent. Sagebrush and rabbitbrush make up sixty percent (60%) of the relative cover while fortis and grasses equally split the remainder. Phlox is the predominate forb and wheatgrasses are the major grasses. Productivity ranges from 450-750 pounds per acre. The tipple was built on fill which was imported to raise the surface above the meadowland/marsh community. Carex is the predominate species of the community. (Production was measured at 2,784 pounds per acre. Vegetation covered 83% of the site, and 78% of that vegetation are sedges). Wildlife Extensive inventories of wildlife in or near the Kerr permit area are documented in Table 33-39 of the permit application. The accompanying discussion is found on pages 779-86aa through 779-104. Mule deer, antelope, Richardson ground squirrels, sage grouse and golden eagles are likely to be seen at the mine area, while Canadian geese, mallards and pintails can be readily observed from the loadout. No critical habitats have been identified within the permit area, although a large wintering ground for a sage grouse lek is located two miles west of the Marr Mine, and antelope frequently winter in the bottom of Bush and Williams Draw. No threatened and endangered species occupy the permit area although bald eagles are frequently observed on the road between Walden and the mine. State listed threatened and endangered species found in North Park include the Johnny darter, white pelican, American peregrine falcon and greater sandhill crane. The Johnny darter has been reported in the Canadian, Illinois and Michigan Rivers. The white pelican and greater sandhill crane are occasional migrants along the Illinois River near the load-out. The American peregrine falcon Marr Strip Mine, C-80-00( 10 December 9, 1992