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Average summer relative humidity is estimated to be 34 percent. This is associated with increased rainfall received during the warmer months. The average annual relative humidity is 20 percent. Wind direction is predominantly from the southwest. Soil: Soil types within the permit azea include the following mapping units: Carracas variant - Peney variant, Celacy vaziant loam, Munn variant loam, and a paralithic clay shale -sandstone - cazbonaceous shale -rock outcrop complex. The pazalithic material is unsuitable for reclamation purposes; all other mapped soil units have suitable topsoil material with recommended stripping depths ranging from 5 to 56 inches. Vegetation: The east side of the permit area is dominated by a mountain shrub plant community, with Gambel's Oak being the predominant species. The predominance of Gambel's Oak is expected in this azea given past disturbances, elevation, moisture and exposure. A small portion ofthe permit azea is introduced pasture and utilized by the landowner for grazing purposes. The west side of the permit area, which includes the Barren Ridge and Federal Lease Areas, is dominated by a spazse pinon juniper plant community. The dominant plants in this community are Gambel's Oak and pinon pine. Grasses and forbs comprise less than 15 percent of the total vegetative cover in these areas. Wildlife: Wildlife information is found in Section 2.04-35 of the Permit. Mining operations have had very limited impact on fish and wildlife populations. Stollsteimer Creek supports vazious species of aquatic biota during the late spring and early summer months. Colorado Suckers and varieties of trout can be seen migrating downstream during those months. Low water levels during other times of the yeaz prevent the establishment of continuous significant populations of such species. Stollsteimer Creek is not considered a natural fisheries stream by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Lands encompassed by the permit azea, as well as the azea to be affected over the life of the operation, aze not of a size which will adversely affect resident wildlife populations. In addition, there are no lands within the permit of adjacent azeas which can be considered critical habitat, winter range or calving grounds for vazious wildlife species. Elk, mule deer, beaz, bobcats, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, beaver and vazious other rodent species, raptors, passerine birds, water fowl and numerous reptilian species are known to inhabit the general area. No rare or endangered species of fish and wildlife aze known to be endemic to the permit azea or azea to be affected over the life of the operation. Peregrine falcons (Ealco peregrinus) nest on Chimney Rock which is approximately two miles north of the area and have been seen using the raptor perches constructed at the site for use in rodent control. Land Use: Land use information is found in Section 2.05-15. The pre-mine land use ofthe azea was rangeland/wildlifeand irrigated pasture. The condition of range and wildlife is considered poor due to the absence of soil over much of the area. Vegetative productivity was and is very low. Productivity of the irrigated pasture is much higher. 4