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Vegetation types present in the Bear permit area include Aspen, Wet mixed shrub, Dry mixed shrub, Douglas fir, Juniper-Piiion, Dry Meadow and Riparian. Wet mixed shrub is the most prevalent vegetation type in the permit area and is characterized by dense shrub stands dominated by serviceberry (Atnelanchier alnifolia) and gambel oak (Quercus gantbelii). The type dominates the north and east facing slopes south of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Steep north facing slopes at higher elevations support stands of douglas fir (Psetulotsuga menziesir). Riparian vegetation, including cottonwood trees (Popu[us attgustifolia), shrubs such as willow (Sa[ix spp.) and hawthorne (Crataegtts spp.) and numerous herbaceous species, occurs along undisturbed sections of the North Fork of the Gunnison flood plain. Small areas of Aspen, Juniper-Pinon and Dry meadow vegetation types exist at higher elevations on the permit area. The Wet mixed shrub and riparian vegetation types have been affected by mining at the Bear Mines surface facilities areas. Mining impacts to the vegetation types at the Bear No. 1 and 3 Mines began in 1934. The area at the Bear No. 2 Mine was disturbed in 1980. Revegetation activities have taken place at the Bear No. 1 and 2 disturbed aeeas. Revegetation of the Bear No. 3 surface disturbance will commence following final grading. Fish and Wildlife -Rules 2.04.11, 2.05.6(2). and 4.18 Fish and wildlife resource information is located in Section 2.04.1 of the Bear No. 1 and 2 permit application and Sections 2.04.11 and 4.18 and Exhibit 10 of the Bear No. 3 permit revision application. Information describing the mitigation of coal mining impacts on fish and wildlife is presented in Section 2.05.6 of the Bear No. 1 and 2 permit application and Sections 2.05.4 and 2.05.6 of the Bear No. 3 permit revision application. Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general area. Mule deer and elk which utilize the mountain shrub habitat in, and adjacent to, the permit area throughout the year are the most prominent big game species. The northern bald eagle is a winter resident along the North Fork of the Gunnison River and is the only rare or endangered wildlife species known to exist in the area. The North Fork of the Gunnison River from Paonia Reservoir downstream five miles to Somerset is stocked by the Division of Wildlife with rainbow trout and supports an estimated 2,000 angler days per year. Below Somerset to the confluence with the Gunnison River, the fishery is less important, with rough fish such as suckers, scuplins and northern pike making up a larger proportion of the fish population. Description of Operations and Reclamation Plan A description of mining operations at the Bear No. 1 and 2 Mines is located in Sections 2.05.2 and 2.05.3 of the Bear No. 1 and 2 permit application. Mining operations at the Bear No. 3 Mine aze described in Sections 2.05.2, 2.05.3 and 4.02 to 4.11, and Maps 9 and 10 of the Bear No. 3 Permit Revision No. 1 application, Section 2.05-7 and Map 9-a of Permit Revision No. 2 application, and in Exhibits 14 and 19 of the Bear midterm response.