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6.4.8 EXHIBIT H-Wildlife Information There are comments received from the Colorado Division of Wildlife attached to this letter. In both the DO W wildlife statement /evaluation and their follow-up letter, they seem to be under the impression that some woody plant habitat will be replaced to minimize the overall impact of this operation. As mentioned under Exhibit E, the flatter areas that will remain once mining is completed are obviously going to be managed as rangeland pasture land and the inclusion of woody plants in these areas would be counter-productive to that use. However, the sloped area separating the two distinct flat areas would be suitable and perhaps even desirable for woody plant establishment similar to that currently on the area. As mentioned , from a visual standpoint this would also help blend [he two areas together. 6.4.9 EXHIBIT I- Soils Information The soil descriptions supplied with the application are adequate to describe the soils present on the proposed mining site, however, it is unclear from reading the NRCS report what is being committed to with respect to topsoil salvage and replacement. Please clazify how much topsoil will be removed and stockpiled and what replacement depth is being committed to. 6.4.10 EXHIBIT J- Vegetation Information No Comment 6.4.11 EXHIBIT K-Climate No Comment. 6.4.12 EXHIBIT L- Reclamation Costs The Division has several concerns about the proposed reclamation cost estimate that will require clazification before we can properly review your estimate or conduct our own estimate. Following is a breakdown of the various questions concerning the cost estimate. The cost estimate must be based on the overall worst case disturbance. The site currently has approximately 5 acres disturbed in phase I with phase li and III undisturbed at this time. This amended mining plan will dovetail into the current plan and replace the three phases with 12 new and reconfigured phases. The average size of these phases will be approximately 6 acres. At the very least 6 acres should be used for the worst case disturbance and even though mining will be completed in a phase prior to starting the next phase, there is likely to be some overlap of phases. In addition, the vegetation is required to become established to the point of being equal in extent to the cover of the surrounding undisturbed area before financial and performance warranty release can be granted. Therefore, even though a phase may be fully regraded, top soiled and