Laserfiche WebLink
Climatic conditions in the area are typified by heavy snowfall and cold temperatures in the <br />winter months and moderate summertime temperatures. Freezing temperatures can occur <br />during any month of the yeaz resulting in a short growing season. Average annual <br />precipitation is approximately 16 inches. Less than 20% of this occurs during the growing <br />season months of June, July and August. <br />Soils -Rule 2.04.9 <br />Mollisols, Aridisols and Entisols are [he soil orders found within the permit azea. The <br />disturbed mine azea is dominated by Mollisols and Aridisols. These soils range from deep, <br />well drained loams to shallow, excessively drained sandy loams. Deeper, better drained soils <br />aze encountered along the toes of ridges with soil depth decreasing with elevation along the <br />slope. No toxicity problems have been identified within the disturbed area. Major soil <br />restrictions relate to slope steepness, erosion potential, depth to rock, and permeability. All <br />soils found within the disturbed azea fall within the SCS land use capability classification of <br />grazing land. Erosion potential appeazs to be the most limiting factor. Although these soils <br />aze all classed as grazing land, they aze a good source of plant growth medium with <br />restrictions being physical rather than chemical. Redistributed soils are capable of establishing <br />a diverse, self-sustaining vegetative cover. Refer to Section B, IV of this document for <br />additional information and specific permit citations. <br />Vegetation -Rule 2.04.10 <br />Vegetation in the vicinity of the mine is characterized by four major plant communities: Big <br />Sagebrush, Alkali Sagebrush, Meadow Hay and Brome Hay. The Big Sagebrush is the <br />dominant type and it is found throughout the permit area on a variety of slopes and aspects. <br />It is dominated by Big Sagebrush and Snowberry. The understory is dominated by <br />wheatgrasses and arrowleaf balsamroot. The Meadow Hay and Brome Hay vegetation types <br />aze located in the lowlands. Both aze dominated by grasses. Brome Hay areas aze <br />characterized by predominately introduced species. Alkali Sagebrush dominates the overstory <br />in that community and, understory is principally Prairie Junegrass and Letterman's <br />Needlegrass. Refer to Section B, XI of this document for additional information and specific <br />permit citations. <br />Fish and Wildlife -Rule 2.04.11 <br />Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general azea. The most predominant aze elk, mule deer <br />and grouse. Other wildlife species include: black beaz, cougaz, rabbit, coyote, bobcat, red fox, <br />rodents, bats, skunks, waterfowl, amphibians and reptiles. Refer to Section B, XIII of this <br />document for additional information and specific permit citations. <br />Cultural and Historic Resources -Rules 2.04.4. 2.05.6(41 and 2.07.6(2)(e) <br />Cultural and historic resources are discussed in Section 2.04.4 of the permit application. The <br />applicant conducted a records search for cultural resources within the permit area and the <br />report is found in Exhibit 12 of the application. There are no known cultural resources within <br />the permit area. A copy of the cultural resources report was reviewed by the Colorado State <br />6 <br />