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Sep 23 98 03:35p Cyprus Rmax User (9701 870-2753 p.7 <br />The backhce test pits will be backfilled with the material that was excavated from them, with the <br />last seeing the topsoil placed over the pits. This procedure will not require seeding of the pits dtte <br />to tltc antouttt of vebclative materials in the replaced topsoil. <br />6.) Endangered or Threatened Spccies <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife was contacted for a determination as to whether or not the <br />proposed exploration program jeopardizes any listed thrca[cnrrl nr endangered species. A copy of <br />the proposed drill site and road location map has bern forwarded [o Mr. Tim Hicks with the <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife along with a request to re~~ew dte proposed exploration locations for <br />any potential conflicts with listed endangered spccics. <br />In addition, on the afternoon of loot 25, 1997, Mr, Terry Ireland of the Grand Junction Office of <br />the USFWS was contacted to identify any currently listed threatened or endangered species <br />potentially occumng within the project area. Mr. Ireland identified two (2) currently listed species <br />as potential inhabitants of Township 5 North, Range 86 West, 6'~ Principle Meridian, Spiranthcs <br />diluvialis (Ute Lady's Tresses), and Halicacctus Ieucocephalus (Bald Eagle). fn addition, the <br />Upper Colorado River Basin has been identified as providing critical habitat for four (4) <br />endangered fish speues: Pytchochtilus lucius (Colorado Squa.4dish), Gila cypha (Humpback <br />Chub), Gila elegans (Bonytail Chub) and Xytauchm texanus (Ra2orback Sucker). Lastly, two (2) <br />candidate species were noted for the arcs: boreal toad and Canada lynx. <br />With respect to the Ute Lady's Tresses, the habitat for this species is defined to occur at elevations <br />less than 6500'. All disturbance and activity associated with this projlxt will occur at elevations <br />well in excess of 6500'. Raptor surveys completed in the area during the spring of 199? and 1998 <br />by Mr. John Monarch of Monarch and Associates did not document the presence of bald eagles in <br />the project area. No water depletions art anticipated as a result of the proposed exploration <br />efforts, therefore, no impacts arc anticipated for the enllangcred fish species identified. The boreal <br />toad habitat typically occurs at elevations exceeding 7500', All disturbance and activity associated <br />with this project will occur at elevations below of 7500'. Lastly, tlio project arch is too low to <br />provide suitable lynx habitat except perhaps during the winter months. No activities are proposed <br />for dte winter. <br />Givrn the above information, TCC has determined that the exploration and reclamation described <br />in this application will not jeopardir_c the continued existence of any endangered or threatened <br />spccics listed pursuant to Section 4 of the Endangered Species Aa of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533) or the <br />Nongame, Endangered or Threatened Spccies Conservation Act (Section 33-8-101 er snq. C.R.S. <br />1973) or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat oCdtuse spwics. <br />7,) Confidential Materials <br />TCC requests that the attached Tables 2 and 3 be held as confidential due to the sensitive nature of <br />the drill hole depths specified in the application. <br />Y.) Reclamation (:nsts <br />Reclamation Cost Estimates are prcscntcd on 1998 NOl Table 4 attached to this application. Unit <br />cosh utiliicd were obtained front picviuusly approv~xl figures. The total bond estimated for this <br />fIV/7,7/9R 5 of f, <br />