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are Canada thistle, Redtop, Kentucky bluegrass, and sedges. Due to the mining operation, much of the riparian community had been disturbed down to the edge of Hubbard Creek which allowed the Canada thistle to establish. The riparian area has now been reclaimed. The disturbed areas occupy about 20 acres of the permit area. These areas had been disturbed by the current mining operation and are mostly bare ground. Fish and Wildlife - Rule 2.04.11 More information regarding Fish and Wildlife resources can be found in the permit application in Section 2.04.11. Methods used for gathering site-specific wildlife information included an extensive literature search and an on-site field reconnaissance. The literature review of wildlife in the vicinity of the Blue Ribbon Mine was obtained from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Office of Surface Mining, Bureau of Land Management, and the U. S. Forest Service. A potential wildlife species list and species status for the Blue Ribbon Mine area was obtained from the Ecological Services section of the Division of Wildlife. The list can be found in Appendix B of the permit application. A reconnaissance of the Blue Ribbon Mine permit area was conducted July 30 and 31, 1981. The purpose of the reconnaisance was to inventory the wildlife habitats and some of the species present on the site. The on-site reconnaissance consisted of a general qualitative overview of the area. General observations of mammal, avian, and amphibian and reptile species were recorded over a two-day period. The Blue Ribbon Mine is located within an area that is important for migrating and wintering mule deer and elk. There is a resident deer population that uses the area year round. Other big game species in the area are the mountain lion, which is fairly common in rimrock areas, and the black bear, which can be found at higher elevations. Habitats around the Blue Ribbon Mine appear favorable for medium-sized and small mammals. Species observed include the cottontail rabbit, least chipmunk, Rock squirrel, Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Pocket gopher, beaver, and muskrat. Other common medium-sized and small mammals in the area probably include the coyote, long-tailed weasel, raccoon, striped skunk, badger, porcupine, deer mouse, long-tailed vole, Western jumping mouse, various game birds and waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, and the leopard frog. The Blue Ribbon Mine is located within the migratory corridor of the Gray's Lake experimental group of Whooping Cranes; however, it has been reported that the cranes do not utilize this area of Colorado. The site is also located within the historical range of the Gray Wolf and Grizzly Bear, and historical nesting range of the Greater Sandhill Crane. No reportings of these species have been made in recent years. The only threatened or endangered wildlife species which may occur in the mine area are wintering northern bald eagles and it is the opinion that the mine operations will not impact the species. 8-