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• Wildlife Analysis • A wildlife statement was requested from the Division of Wildlife. In response the property was inspected by Donald ~ Bogart, Environmental Biologist, on June 10, 1981. Mr. Hogart's statement is attached. However, in addition the following was ascertained concern- ing wildlife on the property and the area from field observation ~ in May and June, 1981, talking with residents of the area, and data available from the Division of Wildlife. Mammals - The site is presently farmed with irrigated corn gxcept for approximately 1 to 2 acres of land in the northeast ~ corner of the property adjacent to an irrigation ditch. This small noncultivated area is classified as "waste area" by the soil conservation service because of the lack of crop planting and the predominance of weedy species. Field observation indi- ~ Cates small rodents find this area quite habitable, and area re- sidents have reported foxes have been observed in the past. How- ever, the Division of Wildlife indicates these types of small mammals are quite common, and no endangered or threatened mammals ~ have been observed or'are thought to inhabit this immediate area or the property. Hirdlife - This above mentioned waste area also contains birdlife inhabiting-the tall ground vegetation, a large cotton- ~ wood tree, a small elm tree, and a large elm tree. At present the only bird life visible was a sparrow hawk that nests in the cottonwood tree, and a variety of small common birds including killdeer, robins, blackbirds, meadow larks, crows, and various ' ~ species of sparrows. Once again, the Division of Wildlife in- dicates all of these types of birds are quite common, and no endangered or threatened avian species have been observed or are thought to inhabit this immediate area or the property. ~ In summary, the proposed mining operation will prove some disruption to existing wildlife, but the actual mining will not incompass the waste area where most wildlife inhabit, and the trees will be retained. Secondly, even if some wildlife is dis- ~ turbed by the mining, the type of wildlife in the area is not endangered or.threatened and can readily relocate to other pro- perty in the area where mining is not being undertaken. Finally, the long term impact of the mining operation will improve wild- ~ life habitation as the created lake will attract water fowl and the southern and eastern boundaries of the mining area will be revegetated and allowed to return to a natural state. • •