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mountain sideslopes. Moderately sloping uplands and valley sideslopes on the tablelands to the south of the river are characterized by predominately loamy surface soils overlying sandstone, with soil thicknesses of over 60 inches ion depressions and swales. The majority of the slopes within the North Fork Valley exhibit evidence of slope instability due to a preponderance of high-clay content bedrock and steep erosional slope. Mapping performed by W. Rahe Junge of the Colorado Geologic Survey has determined that the majority of the surface of the Bear Coal permit-mining plan area is veneered by ancient and modern landslide deposits. Land Use Pre-mining use at the Bear No. 3 mine, and adjacent areas, was primarily wildlife habitat. Limited residential use occurred at the site. Mining activity began in 1934 at the Bear No. 3 portal (the old Edwards portal). This mine was operated by various owners until it was closed in 1966. The vacant houses and several small storage sheds were located on the surface facility site. The houses are used as office space by Sear Coal company. The land affected by the Bear No. 3 portal and surface facilities area will be returned to its past use - undeveloped land providing wildlife habitat and limited residential use. There are no State or local land use plans or programs for the permit-mining plan area. Cultural Resources This Area will not experience any new direct surface disturbance. The proposed action involves an extension of underground mining operations at the existing Bear No. 3 mine. Unanticipated cultural resource finds are covered by a special condition to the mining plan approval. Socioeconomics The action will only allow the operation to sustain present production levels. The Bear No. 3 mine directly employs 50 people in the local community and is part of a local economy that depends on the mining industry as a substantial part of its support. 10