Laserfiche WebLink
MINING PLAN <br />The grasses and forbs are more representative of what should be here if it was in prime condition. <br />Clearly it is not in prime condition, but compazed to the northern portions of the property it is in faz <br />better condition. Section 36 also contains a more sensitive wildlife component, particularly <br />concerning the abundance of prairie dog colonies west of Coal Creek. Of course, the northern portion <br />contains a majority of the riparian forest which is important. But no additional mining will occur in <br />the riparian forest units and therefore the wildlife concerns there are faz less severe. <br />In contrast, the vegetation and overall condition of the land in the northern portions of the <br />property is much more disrupted by the various historical influences including mining, grazing, <br />military uses, and roadway encroachment. Not only is this reflected in the poorer condition of the <br />vegetation, which is composed mainly of species that dominate in a disrupted condition, but also by <br />the amount of sheet, rill and gully erosion. So, by initially confining the mining to the northern <br />portions (North Phase) it is possible that over the term of the lease the southern portions may never <br />actually need to be affected. Nevertheless, the southern land is included in this amendment because it <br />is in the lease and portions are known to contain excellent sand deposits. It may be needed in the event <br />sand in the northern part of the lease does not last through the term of the lease. <br />Specific Restrictions on Mining Locations <br />Wildlife HabUa1 Considerations: <br />REQUIREMENT: Mining in or near known, identified wildlife habitat locations will <br />only occur after full consideration of the impacts on wildlife. The following applies to all such <br />habitats: <br />On Exhibit C-7 the primary wildlife habitats aze identified. These habitats include <br />prairie dog colonies, any significant nesting sites, and the locations of any known <br />endangered or threatened species. (At this time no endangered or threatened species or <br />significant nesting sites have been found on the site, but there is a remote possibility <br />that a couple of threatened species could occur here.) Although not found, great horned <br />owl nests probably occur in the forested areas. No heron rookeries occur on the site. <br />Exhibit C-7 and the Master Map for Wildlife Habitats (as it is called in the Land Board <br />files) will be referred to prior to planning a mining site as well as on-site information <br />gathered. These maps are updated each time more information is obtained. If a wildlife <br />habitat will be impacted (mining in or near the habitat) the following must be done <br />prior to starting the mining. <br />Coal Creek Sand Resource Amendment 3 (2005) - M-1988-044 Exhibit D Page 15 <br />