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6.4.8 EXHIBIT H -Wildlife Information <br />The following letter from the Division of Wildlife dated February 12, 2002 presents a description <br />of the game and non-game resources on and in the vicinity of the application area, including; <br />(a) A description of the significant wildlife resources on the affected land; <br />(b) seasonal use of the area; <br />(c) the presence and estimated population of threatened or endangered species from either <br />federal or state lists; and <br />(d) a description of the general effect during and after the proposed operation on the existing <br />wildlife of the azea, including but not limited to temporary and permanent loss of food and <br />habitat, interference with migratory routes, and the general effect on the wildlife from <br />increased human activity, including noise. <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife concludes: <br />"Overall, the mining operation should have limited short-term effects on the wildlife <br />species that use the azea. This is of course assuming that the site will be adequately <br />reclaimed and at the lands use remains agricultural." <br />In a followup letter dated September 24, 2002, the District Wildlife Manager of the Norwood <br />District also indicated to the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology the following <br />assessment and concerns regarding this permit application. <br />"If possible, winter haul operations should be limited to one-half hour after sunrise to one-half <br />hour before sunset ornon-existent" <br />Since the intended market for the gravel produced by this pit is the Telluride area, and <br />since the Telluride area has no gravel pits, all gravel is ah-eady traveling on Highway 145. <br />Gravel production and therefore the gravel haul associated with it will therefore naturally <br />replace existing traffic and not increase traffic as a whole. <br />The Operator cannot commit [o the winter time hourly restrictions suggested by the <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife. This restriction would give unfair advantage to other <br />gravel operators, as construction companies could always begin and end their daily haul at <br />competitors pits, who are not bound by this type of restriction. Demand for gravel is <br />customarily quite low during the winter months so material hauling will be limited. <br />12/02 H - 1 <br />