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6! these species has been observed within or adjacent to the permit area. The only black-footed ferrets found in the wild (not in Colorado) were trapped and removed to a breeding facility in Wyoming in the 1980s. No additional black- footed ferrets have been identified in the wild since. In the 1996-97 permit renewal process, CDMG stipulated (Stipulation No. 29) that CEC update, by minor revision, the baseline information regarding threatened and endangered species to include those species listed currently. While this requirement exceeds the autfiority granted CDMG by CRS 34-33-110(8), CRS 34-33-114, CRS 34-33-120, Rule 2.()4.11, Rule 2.05.6(2), and Rule 4.18(2), CEC contacted the Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University to search their official database for rare and imperiled species (which includes proposed listed threatened and endangered species for both state and federal listings). With the exception of the three (3) species identified in their response letter (see page 99c), Ferruginous hawks (Bu-eo rega/i.r), black-tailed prairie dogs (Cyrromys irrdovicianns) and burrowing owls (Alherre canicularia), all chazacterized as "watchlisted", no species identified as endangered or threatened was found. None of the species identified has been sighted in, or adjacent to the permit area, and while it is CEC's hope to reestablish the shortgrass prairie environment through its reclamation program (and seed mix), "relict stands" do not presently exist within the permit area. • Further, CEC's focus of activity within the permit area is specifically directed to reclamation of the site! There is no plan or anticipation for expansion of the disturbed area; rather the intent is to restore the site to an environment similar to what was encountered before mining activities began. To this end, the goal is the return of (even enhancement oQ potential wildlife habitat areas, not their further destruction. Additionally, CEC has contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine their requirements for searches on a property after the original permitting action and Section 7 consultation. In a conversation with Mr. Lee Carlson, Colorado Field Supervisor for Ecological Services, on July 24, 1997, Mr. Carlson stated that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not require additional searches or surveys of a property, once the property has been initially cleared for threatened and endangered species. Since CDMG is not empowered to enforce the federal Endangered Species Act, or supersede the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and as further enumerated in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 4B., CEC contends there is no need to conduct further "searches" for threatened or endangered species at the Keenesburg Mine site. • 96