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rabbitbrush shrubland are also found in and adjacent to the loadout site. Soils Topsoil in the Thompson Creek drainage is limited. Only a thin veneer of topsoil exists on the steep sideslopes of the ridges. Furthermore, much of the topsoil at the mine facility azea was lost through historic mining disturbances. The loadout site was built on a wide valley floor where topsoil was approximately 12 inches deep or less. Because the loadout was more recently constructed, all available topsoil was salvaged. Wildlife Mine Area The predominant types of wildlife inhabiting the mine site aze elk, deer, coyote, grouse, beaver, and rainbow and cutthroat trout. Mountain lion, bobcat, and turkey aze also found in the area. Approximately 200 elk inhabit Stony Ridge, while only about 50 elk inhabit Marion Ridge. The Marion Ridge elk migrate into Stony Ridge during the winter. Deer locate primarily on the lower grassland during the winter, later moving to a summer range above the mine. There aze about ten beaver dams in a quarter-mile azea immediately downstream from the mine. Beaver have been introduced into the area by the company and aze active in the spring and summer. Grouse aze found on Stony Ridge and on other north-facing slopes. Rainbow and cutthroat trout aze abundant and reproduce downstream from the mine, while rainbow trout live upstream as well. No endangered species aze known to be present in the mining azea, nor is there any critical wildlife habitat or high value habitat. Loadout Area The pinon juniper community type occupies slopes and ridge tops over much of the area associated with the truck dump. Piiion pine and Utah juniper form open, low density stands in which both shrub and herbaceous understory aze very spazse. The piiion mouse, least chipmunk, and Colorado chipmunk aze chazacteristic of this community. Bobcats may frequent the area searching for rodents, and mule deer and ells traverse the area as they pass from bedding grounds to feeding ground. The most common birds in this community type include the pinon jay, scrub jay, magpie, and various raptors. The sagebrush community generally associated with deeper soils is also present in the permit area. Herbaceous cover is spazse, although diverse, and may provide limited winter browse for elk and mule deer. Other animal species, which maybe encountered, include the sagebrush vole, least chipmunk, Colorado chipmunk, American bobcat, and the jackrabbit. The most common