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-38- Wildlife information in the application is based on regional habitat mapping done by the Division of Wildlife. No site specific data or observations are contained in the application. The regional mapping designates the permit area as being within critical winter range areas for mule deer and elk and within a migration corridor for elk. It is probable that some elk calving occurs in aspen vegetation types on the permit area. In order to maximize the forage production for livestock the surface landowner, Bogle Farms, has requested that shrubs and trees not be planted on reclaimed areas. Conversion from an aspen-shrub vegetation type to a grass forb type at Grassy Gap would not be expected to negatively impact deer or elk populations for two reasons. First, though the regional maps designate the site as critical winter range, snow depth during heavy winters precludes deer and elk use at the elevation of the mine pits (7,500-8,000 feet). Second, the total disturbance at Grassy Gap is less than 350 acres, and the area will be totally reclaimed within 5 years. The largest contiguous disturbance is the Pit 4 area, approximately 137 acres. The proposed reclamation should result in very favorable spring, summer, and fall habitat for elk. With the exception of the Pit 4 area, all of the reclaimed pit areas will be less than 1,200 feet wide. Based on available literature, such forage areas would be expected to be fully utilized by elk. As a result of the low potential for negative wildlife impact, habitat mitigation other than a 30 mph haulroad speed limit will not be required. However, if the mining area is expanded in the future, mitigation such as off-site vegetation manipulation could be warranted. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(n), and on the basis of available information, the Division finds that the proposed activities will not affect the continued existence of threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XI V. Prime Farmland - Rules 2.04.12, 2.06.6 and 4.25 Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(k), the Division has made a negative prime farmland determination. The determination is based on a letter from John Valentine, SCS District Conservationist, which states that Routt County does not have any prime farmland soils. XV. Operation Description - Rules 2.05.2, 2.05.3(1), 2.05.3(2) and 4.01 The mine operations plan is contained on pages III-1 through III-29 of the application. To date, coal extraction, backfilling, topsoiling and seeding have been completed at Pits 1, 2, 3 and 5 as approved in Permit 78-45 issued by the Mined Land Reclamation Board in 1978. All of the disturbance areas were 30 acres or less.