2007-07-06_REVISION - M1977071 (2)

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EXHIBIT H -WILDLIFE INFORMATION Over the years, the population of elk in the azea has increased. Elk utilize the area for grazing on a limited basis, however the area in an important migration path particulazly in the spring. As stated previously, the azea is only in operation during the warmer months of the yeaz. Although we are periodically in operation during migration season, it appears the elk still successfully migrate through the area. If you will refer to the aerial photo in Exhibit B you will note the vast area of open space and trees surrounding the pit of which the County owns over 385 acres. In a letter dated 2/12/99, Tom Martin District Wildlife Manager-Leadville "wrote the pit is within a migratory corridor and spring and fall transitional range. The azea azound the pit serves to relieve grazing pressure from limited winter range to the south. If memory serves me well, most use of the pit(s) has been during summer months. if the use of the pit(s) continues as in the past (June-September] and is avoided the rest of the yeaz, the eUc should not, as in the past, be significantly impacted. However, if use of the pit for projects is expanded to fall, late winter or spring months, conflicts with elk use of the pit and adjacent properties will occur. Pit work starting in eazly morning or perhaps continuing to late evening during those months will shorten daily feeding periods or in the most extreme case, cause elk to abandon established use of the area." Letter attached here in following. The County does not expect to utilize the pit any more than has occurred in the past 30 years. Depending upon timing of the approval of the expansion permit, Lake County plans to mine and crush material this yeaz 2007, for use in the asphalt batch plant next yeaz 2008. However, the County does not foresee using the pit longer than previous use each yeaz. During the late fall, winter and spring, snow and frost basically preclude the use of the pit for mining. Hours of operation also should not affect wildlife as the County generally would not begin before 7:00 am and would be shutdown by 4:00 pm. There is always the possibility that that from time to time operation times could change, but it is not likely. The only soil series on site is known as Pierian and is classified as a "poor" to "very poor" potential habitat for the following: Open land wildlife Wetland wildlife Rangeland wildlife Grain and seed crops Grasses and legumes Wetland plants Shallow water areas There are no known populations of threatened or endangered species in the pernut azea.