2004-05-19_REVISION - M1979205 (2)

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i ~ EXHIBIT H -WII.DLIFE INFQRMATION The proposed Mamm Creek Sand & Gravel Pit consists of about 308.36 acres of mostly irrigated pasture land and shrub with some woodland on the south bank of the Colorado River beginning approximately 1.8 miles east of Rifle, Colorado: T.6 S., R 93 W., SEI/4 Sec. l I, Sl/2 Sec. 12, N t/2 Sec. 13 and 14, 6th PM, Garfield county. The property is bordered in its entirety on the southern edge by interstate 70. The eastern edge of the site is bordered by Mamm Creek. The current land use is mainly year-round pasture land, grazing cattle and horses. The fields are irrigated during the summer months as needed. Cottonwood trees intermittently line the area next to the Colorado River with the greatest concentration being on the western edge. A warm water slough is located on the southern boundary of the property next to the frontage road. Fish and Wildlife Fish and wildlife species presence on the Mamm Creek project site are related to the vegetation and habitats present on the project site. Habitat Types Wildlife habitat present on the Mamm Creek Gravel Mine site corresponds to the vegetation types discussed in other sections. Predominate wildlife habitats consist of grazed pasture, irrigated hayfields, wetlands and cottonwood riparian along the river. The upland pasture habitat is degraded and heavily grazed by horses. Cottonwood riparian habitat has been degraded by grazing and invasion ofnon-native vegetation, such as tamarisk. This vegetation type forms a continuous linear band of habitat along both river banks and on numerous islands within the river. Several age classes of cottonwoods and dense willow patches provide a highly diverse and structurally complex habitat that supports numerous bird, rodent and big game animals. The area also contains numerous dead standing snags and downed trees that provide habitat for birds and rodents and other small mammals. Plowed hayfields and pasture areas provide foraging and nesting habitat for grassland bird species. Table 1 provides a tilt of wildlife observed during on-site field reconnaissance conducted in early Mazch and mid-May ]998. The lists of species observed is not comprehensive and does not include many summer breeding, winter, and fall migrant species. The following subsections provide brief description of wildlife potentially occurring on the site. Big Came Big game species potentially occurring on the Mamm Creek Project Site include mule deer (Odocioleus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocioleus virginianus), and American elk (Cervus elaphus). Mule deer are the most common big game species found on the project site. White-tailed deer and elk occasionally visit the area in limited numbers. Mule deer occur on the project site throughout the year, typically concentrating in lush native vegetation within the