2007-09-11_REVISION - M1997054 (2)

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EXHIBIT H ~...~~'~ Wildlife Information Wildlife habitat characteristics and use of the permit area were field evaluated by Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. (4/21-22/97). Regional published information was also reviewed for wildlife data in the permit area. Published sources included general texts, journal articles, and field guides pertinent to the permit area and surrounding region as well as Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) distribution study publications. The wildlife resources of the permit area were also discussed with the local CDOW biologist (Duane Finch, Canon City, and Chris Kloster, Pueblo). The objective of the previously conducted field survey and information review was to characterize existing wildlife resources within and near the permit area in sufficient detail to assess the impact of the proposed operation on wildlife. Since the proposed modification to the existing operation involves only moderate expansion into areas previously disturbed through agricultural activities, impacts to existing wildlife populations and habitat are expected to remain unchanged from the previously approved extent. Survey Methodology Topographic maps of the permit area were reviewed to aid in the preliminary delineation of any unique habitats or habitat features. Aerial photograph copies of the permit area were obtained from the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Canon City to aid in the delineation of vegetation communities and wildlife habitats. Field surveys were conducted to confirm published information. Wildlife species present on the site were inventoried and existing wildlife habitats and habitat features were assessed. Field surveys consisted of walking transacts in representative portions of all major vegetation communities/habitats present in the permit area. Emphasis was placed on surveying areas located within or adjacent to proposed disturbance areas. All wildlife species observed, their definitive signs (nests, scat, tracks, burrows, etc.), unique or interesting habitat features and habitat extent and condition were recorded. Habitat Conditions Wildlife species and habitats occurring in the permit area are typical of the Front Range foothills of southeastern Colorado. The vegetation types/wildlife habitats present include Pinon/Juniper, Shrub/Grassland, Stream Wash, Riparian, Grassland, Pinon/Juniper Grassland, and Grassland/Improved Pasture. The vegetation characteristics of these habitats are described in Exhibit J. The initial field evaluation of all habitats present within the permit boundary indicated extensive overgrazing by livestock, a condition that has either been improved upon as agricultural uses have been phased out, or remains essentially unchanged. The previously conducted study indicated that in most areas almost all the dominant shrub species (four-wing saltbush, rubber rabbitbrush, and mountain mahogany) were heavily hedged down to two year-old woody stems. Some of the hedging observed was likely the result of mule deer winter use of the site, but the frequency of droppings in most areas indicated predominantly livestock use. Mule deer pellet groups were commonly encountered only on the pinon/juniper slopes north of Tallahassee Creek. Mountain mahogany and four-wing saltbush represent high value browse species for both livestock and deer, but rubber rabbitbrush has very low palatability and little forage value for livestock and is only fair for deer on winter range (USDA Forest Service 1933, Stubbendieck et From Range Aggregates, LLC- Parlulale Quarry DMG 112 Permit Amendment Page 18