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Minimizing Impacts within Mining Panels An important goal will be to minimize adverse modification of important mule deer habitat components, specifically higher density pinyon-juniper stands and sagebrush parks. Efforts will be made to maintain the integrity of desirable pockets of higher density pinyon-juniper when laying out roads, pipeline corridors, and well pads within the mining panels. It is thought that avoiding; these pockets will help maintain post-mine winter range utility. Most importantly, it will preserve those habitats that would otherwise be the most difficult to replace through reclamation and rvegetation. To this end, a site review will be carved out by BLM staff prior to any surface disturbance in a mining panel to delineate important habitat components, specifically higher density pinyon-juniper stands. This site review may be accomplished by a combination of inspection of aerial photof;raphy and on-the- ground surveys and would result in habitat delineation and mapping. No surface disturbance in a mining panel will occur until specific clelineation of that disturbance is approved by the BLM. Although not specifically related to mule deer habitat, an ancillary goal of the mule deer habitat delineation effort will be to identify and minimize tree loss of ponderosa pine stands and individuals within the mining panels, particularly large individuals that are reproducing. • Well Field Pipeline Crossings Another goal will be to provide effective mule deer crossings of well field piping. To minimize potential restrictions to deer movement within and through the mining panels, well field piping will be constructed using a system of underpasses and overpasses to allow free movement by deer through the mining panel area. There are indications that, when pipes are elevated 28 inches or more above the ground, deer will readily move under the structures. However, advantage will be taken of topographic features to further facilitate deer and elk movement through the mining panels. Well field piping will be elevated at depressions and drainages and buried in some locations such as at road crossings. Revegetation of Reclaimed Areas Reclamation of disturbed areas will be an important component of mule deer mitigation. Revegetation of areas reclaimed following cessation of mining activities in a portion or all of each mining panel will focus on using species that will be beneficial to wintering deer. Revegetation components will include grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees. Wildlife Mitlgation Plan 1-2 ~'ankee Gulch Sodium Minerals Project Amenran Soda, LL.P.