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EXHIBIT H-Wildlife Information <br />(a) The proposed permit azea currently is a series of small gravel ridges mostly covered by <br />cedar pinion and sagebrush. Current and proposed future land use is for rangeland. The <br />thin topsoils soil is limited for use as wildlife habitat because of low vegetative <br />production. The non- irrigated areas are best suited to habitat for such wildlife as <br />jackrabbit, cottontail, and coyote and other small rodents. <br />(b) The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has visited the site and has identified the azea <br />as possible wintering range for elk and mule deer. Greatest concern would be during [he <br />months of December through April. The only seasonal use of the proposed permit area <br />would be during the big game and small game hunting seasons. Since the proposed <br />permit area is located on private property, the impact on the various hunting seasons <br />would be minimal, as hunting activities for the general public would not be allowed at the <br />site. <br />(c) Mr. Ron Harthan, District Wildlife Manager with The Colorado Division of Wildlife, <br />Has made [he following recommendations concemurg operations at the proposed site <br />(letter attached): <br />• Access roads and mining operations should not have a negative impact on any <br />streams or riparian areas. <br />• Vehicle speeds should be kept to a maximum speed of IS MPH on access roads. <br />• Cease or limit operations during the winter months [o minimize impacts to <br />wintering deer and elk (December-April). <br />• Re-vegetation of disturbed areas should be consistent with the sites current <br />native vegetation components. <br />(d) Due to the limited suitability of this soil type for vegetation/crops the general effect of the <br />proposed operation on the existing wildlife would be minimal. Excepting the actual pi[ <br />floor and sloping, reclamation and revegeta[ion would return the proposed permit area to <br />the approximate previous state as far as wildlife habitat. There aze no surface waters or <br />impoundments (other than small wetland and tributary stream area of approximately 6 <br />acres) of any kind located within the proposed area of operations and as such interference <br />with migratory routes, food or habitat resources would be limited. <br />