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-39- <br />Concern was also expressed regarding the mule deer critical winter range <br />surrounding the mine site. At the time the initial 5-year permit was issued, <br />the area of existing disturbance was limited and future development, as <br />authorized by the initial permit, was considered to be minimal. However, <br />following approval of the current central facilities area permit revision <br />request, the area of existing disturbance (35 acres) will be increased by 87 <br />acres to a total disturbed area of 122 acres. In light of this significant <br />increase in the area to be disturbed by surface operations and facilities, the <br />following stipulation is required: <br />Stipulation No. 13 <br />WITHIN 60 DAYS OF PERMIT ISSUANCE, THE APPLICANT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE <br />COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AND CMLRD, MUST DEVELOP AND SUBMIT TO THE <br />DIVISION A PLAN FOR ENHANCEMENT OR MANIPULATION OF MULE DEER CRITICAL WINTER <br />RANGE HABITAT FOR ALL AREAS TO BE AFFECTED BY SURFACE OPERATIONS AND <br />FACILITIES. <br />Construction of powerlines at the Munger Canyon Mine will conform to REA <br />Bulletin 61-10 to provide adequate protection for raptors against <br />electrocution. Salt Creek Mining Company has stated that a posted speed limit <br />of 15 mph will be enforced at the mine to minimize the potential for <br />vehicle-deer collisions. The crossing over East Salt Creek has been designed <br />to safely pass the required flow events to avoid damage to the creek. No <br />pesticides will be used in this operation. <br />Shrub density revegetation standards are required by the Division to ensure <br />the reestablishment of big game habitat through reclamation. Specific details <br />of shrub density requirements are given in the Vegetation section of this <br />document. Stipulations have been attached to these findings to provide for <br />the establishment of shrub densities which will enhance wildlife habitat after <br />the mine is successfully reclaimed. <br />Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2) (n) and on the basis of available information, the <br />Division finds that the proposed activities will not affect the continued <br />existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or <br />adverse modification of their critical habitats. <br />With the acceptance by the applicant of the above stipulation, the operation <br />is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />XIV. Prime Farmland -Rules 2.04.12, 2.06.6 and 4.25 <br />The applicant has provided a discussion pertaining to the existence of prime <br />farmland in the vicinity of Munger Canyon in Section 4.1.2.4 of the <br />application. The Soil Conservation Service has issued a negative <br />determination on the presence of prime farmland within the permit area <br />(Appendix L, Volume V and Appendix Js, Volume VI). <br />The applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that no prime farmland exists <br />within the permit area. The Division finds the proposed operation in <br />compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2) (k). <br />