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The Whittaker Flats area in the northwestern portion of the permit area <br />provides winter range for a portion of the Roan Creek mule deer herd. The <br />western third of the permit area makes up a small part of the Little <br />Bookcliffs Wild Horse Area. Neither of those populations are expected to be <br />impacted significantly by mining, since surface activities are well removed <br />from their important ranges. <br />The canyon walls in the general vicinity of the operation provide potential <br />nesting habitat for raptors. The surface facilities are located along the <br />river at the base of the canyon and are removed by at least 300 yards from <br />potential nesting areas. The presence of Interstate 70 through Debeque Canyon <br />may already have impacted raptors to some degree. No additional impact <br />associated with mining activities are anticipated with respect to raptor <br />nesting, since there are no plans to disturb any additional area. <br />Riparian habitat along the Colorado River through the permit area provides <br />nesting cover for mallard ducks and Canada geese, and the river is used by <br />numerous waterfowl species during spring and fall migrations and during the <br />winter. <br />The river itself is classed as a warm water fishery and may support <br />populations of four threatened and endangered fish: the Colorado Squawfish, <br />the Razorback Sucker, the Humpback Chub, and Boneytail Chub. <br />The fish and wildlife plan is presented on page 58 of Volume V in the <br />application. The plan specifies that the quality of water leaving the mine <br />site will be monitored in order to detect any potential impacts on aquatic <br />species. The plan indicates that, "in planning specific reclamation <br />activities, special note will be taken toward enhancing wildlife habitat." <br />The wildlife habitat with the greatest potential for being impacted is the <br />riparian zone adjacent to the river, which is used by waterfowl. The plan has <br />been revised by the applicant subsequent to stipulation and how they will be <br />restored following mining. A specific revegetation plan for disturbed <br />riparian areas has also been submitted. <br />The application indicates that both bald and golden eagles inhabit the permit <br />area. In order to protect these and other raptors from electrocution, the <br />applicant has installed perch guards on power poles as shown in figure <br />2.05.6(2 )A of the application. <br />The applicant has indicated that a peregrine falcon aerie was discovered in <br />July, 1977, but the specific location and present status of the nest was not <br />provided. Communications with the Division of Wildlife indicated that the <br />aerie is located to the north of the permit area along the Colorado River and <br />that the aerie was inactive when first observed. A specific location could <br />not be provided. Since there are no plans to disturb any additional area at <br />the mine, the peregrine falcon aerie should not be further impacted. <br />The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />-29- <br />