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reestablishing rangeland, dryland pasture and improved pasture on areas disturbed <br />by proposed operations. <br />XII. PROTECTION OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL <br />FACTORS <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has <br />selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife. <br />Detailed information on matters relating to fish and wildlife issues is found in <br />Tabs 11 and 21 and Exhibit 11-1 of the permit application; and the Summary <br />Section of this document (4.18(4)(1). <br />The HG Loadout was originally permitted in 1981 in conjunction with the HG <br />Mine (Permit C-80-003). A comprehensive biological inventory was not <br />conducted at the HG Loadout during that period or since. The applicant has, <br />however, done some site reconnaissance at the site and referenced regional studies <br />of the azea. <br />In lieu of a comprehensive inventory, both the applicant and the Division have <br />undertaken extensive consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service <br />(USFWS) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). This review offish <br />and wildlife concerns proceeded with the approval of both agencies. A biological <br />assessment by the Division was forwarded to USFWS on February 25, 1993 as <br />requested. <br />Fourteen measures for protecting fish and wildlife resources are incorporated into <br />the permit beginning on page 2, Tab 21 of the permit application. These measures <br />include 1) limiting additional disturbance to soils and vegetation, 2) prevention of <br />the discharge of hazardous substances, 3) installing raptor protection on new <br />transmission facilities, 4) adoption of a no firearms policy 5) compensation to the <br />USFWS for depletion of waters to the Yampa River and 6) prompt reporting to the <br />Division of any discovery of critical habitat or species of concern. <br />XIII. PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND MINING <br />There is no current or historic underground mining within the permit azea. <br />XIV. OPERATIONS ON ALLUVIAL VALLEY FLOORS <br />Information regarding alluvial valley floors maybe found in Tab 14 of the permit <br />application. <br />The status of Dry Creek as an alluvial valley floor is unclear. Evidence of <br />vegetation and surface water quality at the loadout seems to suggest that the <br />alluvial valley floor and surface water within the permit area is unsuitable for <br />2s <br />