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Major vegetation communities within the proposed permit azea include aspen, big sagebrush, low sagebrush, mountain shrub, pastureland and cropland. The aspen community occurs on gently to moderately sloping topography at elevations above 7,000 feet. Aspen is the most extensive vegetation type at higher elevations of Eckman Pazk. The big sagebrush community occurs in vazious locations throughout the proposed permit azea but is most prevalent on moderately to gently sloping topography at elevations between 7,000 and 7,600 feet and is typically associated with moderately deep, well drained loams and clay loams. The low sage type occurs at lower elevations and is generally associated with shallow, silty soils. The mountain shrub type occurs primazily along steep valley side slopes within the same elevational range as aspen in the proposed permit area. Pastureland, primazily smooth brome pasture, occurred in vazious locations throughout the permit azea prior to mining while winter wheat and alfalfa/grass croplands occurred along Foidel Creek and in the vicinity of Mine 2, in the northern portion of the permit azea. Vazious meadow vegetation types occur in narrow belts along major drainages in the permit area. A significant acreage of pre-law spoil ridges, which were leveled off on top and seeded to alfalfa, sweetclover, and various grasses, exists in the vicinity of Mine 1. Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general area of the mine. Species of primazy interest include elk (both calving azeas and winter range occur on the permit azea), mule deer, sage and sharp[ail grouse and various raptor species (two golden eagle nests have been documented within the permit azea). Numerous other small game and non-game animals and migrating birds occur within the permit azea at vazious times of the yeaz. One historic site listed in [he National Register of Historic Places, [he Foidel Canyon Schoolhouse, is located in the northeastern portion of the permit azea on Foidel Creek, in a location which will not be affected by mining. Pre-mine land uses in the permit and adjacent areas include pastureland, rangeland and cropland. Cropland was generally limited to relatively gentle slopes at lower elevations prevalent in the northern portion of the permit azea in the vicinity of Mine 2, as well as valley bottom land along Foidel Creek and Fish Creek. Rangeland supporting both livestock grazing and wildlife habitat was prevalent within Eckman Pazk, while pastureland was scattered throughout the permit area. Description of the Operations and Reclamation Plan The Eckman Park Mine Complex consists of several adjacent mine areas operated by Colorado Yampa Coal Company under permit #C-81-071. The mining technique employed by CYCC was dip slope azea sVip mining similar to other lazge surface mining operations in Routt County. Draglines were used as the primary overburden removal equipment. Permitted azeas include Mine 1, Mine 2, and Eckman Pazk. Mine 2 is located on a dip slope to the north of Foidel Creek. At Mine 2, the Fish Creek seam was extracted. Mining was 9