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ExhibitH- The vegetative communities at the Expansion Area are generally very low quality for wildlife habitat. Almost the entire Expansion Area North has been previously disturbed by historic mining operations leaving very little topsoil, small patches of cottonwoods, one small pond, and large expanses of bare ground (see Exhibit J -Vegetation Information far further explanation). The Expansion Area North has four major vegetation communities that are available for wildlife use: upland grasses, wooded habitat with a weedy understory, riparian, and lakeside vegetation. The upland grasses (grass forb mix) habitat dominates the Expansion Area North, covering approximately 33 percent of the area. Wooded habitat with a weedy understory covers approximately 17 percent of the Expansion Area North. This habitat used to be frequently inundated plains cottonwood with a willow understory. However, there is no longer sufficient moisture to support willows and invasive weeds are common throughout the area. Riparian habitat covers approximately 14 percent of the Expansion Area North. The riparian area is dominated by plains cottonwood with a willow understory near an old meander of the river. The most significant wildlife resource is riparian area with cottonwood trees near the South Platte River providing nesting and roosting substrate to raptors and other migratory birds. The 3.6-acre lake comprises approximately 17 percent of the Expansion Area North and the lakeside vegetation community comprises approximately 5 percent of the Expansion Area North. Approximately 12 percent of the Expansion Area North is bare ground resulting from previous ground disturbances associated with historic mining activities. The Expansion Area South has three major vegetation communities that are available for wildlife use. Approximately 28 percent of the Expansion Area South is bare ground resulting from previous ground disturbances associated with historic mining activities and intensive livestock grazing. A prairie dog complex associated with flixweed, blue mustard, and prickly pear cactus covers approximately 55 percent of the Expansion Area South. Wooded habitat with a weedy understory covers approximately 10 percent of the Expansion Area South. Saltgrass vegetation accounts for approximately 7 percent of the vegetation coverage in the Expansion Area South. Riparian habitat covers less than 1 percent of the Expansion Area South. The riparian area is dominated by plains cottonwood with a willow understory at the southwest corner of the area near the South Platte River. This area will not be disturbed by the proposed project because it is adjacent to the South Platte River and there will be a 100-foot buffer from the river that will not be disturbed by the proposed operations. No suitable nesting or roosting habitat for raptors occurs within the Expansion Area South. However, suitable raptor nesting and roosting habitat, consisting of cottonwood trees, does occur on the west side of the South Platte River across from the Expansion Area South. Description of Game Resources Mule Deer The CDOW has mapped the entire area as mule deer overall range. This area was not mapped as a mule deer migration corridor. Mule deer were not observed during surveys of the Expansion Area. Mule deer may use this area although there are few edible species for deer. The operation should not significantly affect mule deer. The Adams County Park located across the river to the west provides much better mule deer habitat that could be used during the operation of the mine. 1898-Frei 112 Exhibits_(4.2005).doc H-2