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The company states the control areas were selected for each major vegetation type disturbed, based on species composition, cover and productivity, and slope and aspect. The applicant has not demonstrated that the control areas are representative, resulting is three stipulations added to mitigate expected ' problems (please see State Stlpulatiaa lib, 9, and 10 for specifics). The company proposes to use the control areas as the revegetation success standard for herbaceous cover and production. Species diversity and woody plant density standards will be developed following completion of the vegetation sampling. The diversity standard will be based on species composition and life form importance for herbaceous vegetation and species composition as determined from relative density for shrubs. Upon cessation of mining, all areas will be regraded, topsoiled, then revegetated. Seeding for revegetation will be done in the Pali. Revegetation at best will be difficult because of low precipitation and sal'_ne sad sodic soils. However, under intensive management, the company should be able to meet the required revegetation success criteria. Fish and Wildlife The compa~ consulted Division of Wildlife and Bureau of Land Management wildlife auehoricies regarding impacts of mining operations on wildlife species. The Whittaker Flats area Sa Che northwestern por2lon of the permit area provides winter range for a portion of the Roan Creek mule deer herd. The western third of the permit area makes a small part of the Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Area. Neither of these populations are expected co be significantly impacted by mining since surface disturbing activities are yell removed their ranges. The cam*on walls in the general vicinity of the operation provides potential nesting habitat fot raptors. The surface facilities are located along the river at the base of the canyon and are removed by at least 300 yards from potential nesting areas. The presence of Interstate i0 through Debeque Canyon may already Smpacted raptors to some degree. No additional impacts are anticipated with respect to raptor nesting, since there are no additional plans to disturb any more areas. Riparian habitat along the Colorado River in the permit area provides Heating cover for `fallard Ducks and Canada Cease. The river is used by numerous waterfowl species during spring and fall migrations, and during the winter. The river itself is c'_assed as a warm water fishery and may support populations of four threatened and endanged fish: the Colorado Squavfish, the Razorback Sucker, the Humpback Chub, and Boneytail Chub. The compar.;• indicates that, "in planning specific reclamation activities, special note will be taken toward enhancing wildlife habitat". The vildli`e habitat with the greatest potential for being impacted Ss the riparian zone adjacent to the river, used by water_`ov1. The plan does not soecifically address protection or reestablishment of this habitat sad is so stipulated (see State stipulations) -'_3-