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EXHIBIT H -WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br />u . _ _. - ...._.. _ .:v. __.~.:.. _._ . <br />This exhibit provides information on the wildlife resources in the vicinity of the Expansion Area. <br />The wildlife information in this exhibit is presented in the order listed below and meets the <br />specific requirements for this exhibit. <br />1) A description of game and non-game resources on and in the vicinity of the application <br />area, including: <br />a) a description of the significant wildlife resources on the affected land; <br />b) seasonal use of the area; <br />c) the presence and estimated population of threatened and endangered species from <br />either federal or state lists; and <br />d) a description of the general effect during and after the proposed operation on existing <br />wildlife in the area, including but not limited to temporary and permanent loss of <br />food and habitat, interference with migratory routes, and the general effect on the <br />wildlife form increased human activity, including noise. <br />2) The proposed project was reviewed and commented upon by the State of Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife (CDOW), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), and <br />United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A copy of the their response letters is <br />provided in this exhibit. <br />Significant Wildlife Resources and Seasonal Use of the Area <br />The CDOW has published range and habitat information for big game and other species (CDOW <br />2005b). Additionally, the CDOW Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) tracks the species <br />of wildlife known to occur or likely to occur in each county for Colorado (CDOW 2004). The <br />CDOW data indicated potential habitat for mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagle, and <br />Preble's meadowjumping mouse (PMJM) within the Expansion Area. <br />Greystone biologists conducted site visits on March 10 and 30, 2005 to evaluate and map the <br />various vegetative communities within the Expansion Area. The Expansion Area is comprised of <br />two portions. The northern portion of the Expansion Area is a 21-acre area immediately adjacent <br />to and south of the existing mine permit boundary and is designated as "Expansion Area North" <br />in Exhibit J-1. The southern portion of the Expansion Area is as 29-acre area south of the <br />Expansion Area North and is designated as the "Expansion Area South" in Exhibit J-1.The <br />Expausion Area North was surveyed on March 10, and the Expansion Area South was surveyed <br />on March 30. <br />The purpose of these site visits was to determine existing wildlife habitats and species present <br />within the Expansion Area. Wildlife species that were observed in or near the Expansion Area <br />include: belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), common loon (Gavia immer), mallard (Anas <br />platyrhynchos), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), ring- <br />billed gull (Carus delawarensis), double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), American <br />robin (Turdus migratorius), beaver (Castor canadensis), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonni), <br />black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), and coyote (Canis latrans) scat. No evidence of <br />deer was observed. <br />1898-Frei 112 Exhibits_(4.20.05).doc H-1 <br />