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Alternative A: Because no additional surface or underground disturbance would occur under the No-Action Alternative, cultural resources would not be impacted. No impact. Signature of specialist: Rich Fike FLOODPLAINS, WETLANDS, RIPARIAN ZONES, AND ALLUVIAL VALLEYS) Affected Environment: The proposed coal lease modification area is an upland area that includes the upper and middle portions of Hawksnest Creek, a small ephemeral drainage which flows only in response to spring snowmelt runoff and major summer thunderstorm events. The Hawksnest drainage channel is narrow and steep with no defined floodplain and very limited coarse col[uvial deposits. The upper and middle portions of Hawksnest Creek contain essentially no established riparian community or wetlands due to channel configuration and the limited seasonal flows. Limited riparian vegetation occurs off lease at the lower end of Hawksnest Creek where stream gradients Flatten near its confluence with the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The soils, vegetation, and hydrologic conditions and components present in the lease modification area do no[ meet the applicable criteria for designation as a riparian area under Standard 2 based on available soils and vegetation mapping and hydrologic monitoring information from the Somerset, Sanborn Creek, and Elk Creek Mines -Mining and Reclamation Plan (CDMG Permit No. C-81-022). Environmental Consequences & Mitigation: Proposed Action: Based on available information, there aze no known floodplains, wetlands, riparian zones, or alluvial valleys within the proposed lease modification azea. In addition, no surface disturbance other than minor subsidence effects, is proposed or contemplated in conjunction with the proposed coal lease modification, so surface drainage flows and water quality will not be altered. Therefore, no impact would occur on these specific resource categories. No impact. Alternative A: Because the noted resources do not exist within the subject area and because no additional surface or underground disturbance would occur under the No-Action Alternative, there would be no impact. No impact. Signattre of specialist • Dennis Murphy NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS CONCERNS Affected Environment: There are no known Native American religious or other concerns associated with the proposed lease modification or surrounding areas. Environmental Consequences & Mitigation: Proposed Action: Given that there are no known Native American religious concerns associated with this azea, there would be no impact. No impact. Alternative A: Given that there are no known Native American religious concerns associated with this area, there would be no impact. No impact. Signature of specialist: Rich Fike PRIME AND UNIQUE FARMLANDS Affected Environment: As previously noted, the proposed lease modification area is a relatively rugged upland area. This area is characterized by very steep rocky slopes and the steep, narrow Hawksnest Creek drainage valley and includes no areas that have been utilized or would be considered as prime or unique farmlands. Environmental Consequences & Mitigation: Proposed Action: Given that no known prime ar unique farmlands exist within the subject area, there would -6-