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~' 'n! /~,r'\ <br />APR 1 8 ~dU6 <br />WILDLIFE INFORMATION EXHIBIT H <br />Division al Minerals and Geology <br />1) Significant Game Resources on the Affected Lands <br />Mule deer aze probably the most critical game resource in this azea. Animals migrate from the upper <br />elevations azound Cerro Summit, Squaw Hill, and Waterdog Peak to spend the winter months in the <br />lower elevation pinyon juniper habitats that surround the irrigated fields east of Montrose. The <br />south facing slopes are especially important in severe winters. <br />2. Significant Non-Game Resources on the Affected Lands <br />Non-game resources in this area aze confined primarily to small rodents (ground squirrels, mice, <br />voles, etc,) and reptiles (sagebrush lizard, plateau striped whiptail, eastern fence lizazd). Impacts to <br />these species will likely be minimal. The small wetland located near the site probably attracts a <br />number of non-game species seeking water. However, the plan indicates that this azea will be left <br />undisturbed. <br />3. Seasonal Use of Affected Lands <br />Migrating big game including mule deer and elk may use the site on a seasonal basis. Small game <br />such as mourning dove and neo-tropical birds may also be found on the site or in the immediate <br />vicinity on a seasonal basis. <br />4. Presence and Estimated Population of Threatened or Endangered species in the area. <br />Bald Eagles are known to winter in the Uncompahgre Valley. An occasional road-kill animal may <br />attract eagles to highway neaz the site. However, no use of the site itself by bald eagles has been <br />recorded. Gunnison sage-grouse (a candidate species) is also known to occur with a few miles of the <br />pit location. However, the habitat both on the site, and in the immediate area, is not considered <br />suitable for this species. <br />Bellgazdt Pit 1/06 <br />35 <br />