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potentials. The impact on these species will probably be short-teen, due to their adaptability to re-inhabit other areas. However, other mammals such as the pocket gopher, are widely dispersed and live underground, limiting their movements from one place to another. The impact on these species will probably be greater because their rates of establishment are slow. All rabbits will be displaced due to the mining activity. The jackrabbits will probably be more adversely affected because they are, in general, more intolerant of human presence and activity than are cottontails. The return of rabbits to rehabilitated areas will depend on the degree of survival of populations in the surrounding areas and on revegetation by shrubs such as big sagebrush which can provide adequate cover and protection. Afl resident bird populations will probably be affected by tfie planned activities at the Keenesburg mine site. The destruction of habitat, food supply and nesting areas will cause a decrease in resident populations. Most will find other neighboring habitat, causing a secondary impact as food supplies decrease. Predator population may decrease as reptiles and smaller mammals relocate or are killed by the mining activity. The predator population could be increased when reclamation begins by providing simple perching areas around the mine site. This would: A. increase the predator populations which were driven out during mining. • B. decrease rabbit infestation which can destroy young sprouting grasses vital to the reclamation project. There are no deer populations which could be affected by mining activity. The antelope population is minor, but mining activities and the fencing of mining operations will affect their population. Most large game mammals inhabit the major tributaries of the South Platte Valley, such as Kiowa Creek and Crow Creek, and the more irrigated areas of the Platte itself. After reviewing the preliminary Keenesburg coal mining proposal, the Colorado Division of Wildlife stated in a letter that mining operation would have "very little impact on the area's wildlife." A copy of the letter dated October 6, 1978, is provided at the end of this section. 4. General Movement Patterns of Mammals in the Area Big game animals (deer and antelope) and waterfowl have established movement patterns within the Weld and Morgan County areas. Most of the movements center around the South Platte Valley and around major water impoundments. Antelope, though few in number, occur in the reservoir areas and are primarily winter residents. 93