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Banks and Gesso, LLC Exhibit H -Wildlife Information (This exhibit was prepared for Asphalt Paving Company by Coler &Colantonio, Inc.) Coler &Colantonio, Inc. reviewed the project site for potential habitat for threatened, endangered and candidate species listed in Weld County by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Bald Eaole The site does not contain significant mature cottonwood galleries, which typically provide roosting/nesting sites for eagles along the South Platte River. We did not observe any eagles while on-site. Further we reviewed the Colorado Division of Wildlife Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) to determine if known bald eagle nests/roosts are present on-site or in the vicinity. The NDIS indicated no known nests on or near the site. The closest known nests are several miles east of Brighton along Interstate Highway 76. Thus, this project will not affect the bald eagle. Black-footed-ferret Black-footed-ferrets are closely associated with prairie dog towns. There is a small area of prairie dogs on-site. Ferrets are extremely rare and it is highly unlikely that the small area of prairie dogs on-site would support ferrets. Typically ferrets inhabit remote and large (80+ acre towns). Due to the small size of prairie dog colonization, proximity to Wattenberg, and extreme rarity of the animal, we feel it is very unlikely that this project would impact black-footed ferrets. Black-tailed prairie doo Prairie dogs are present on-site. They are confined to the southeastern portion of the property and the town is approximately 20 acres in size. Mining in the southeastern part of the site will impact existing prairie dogs. However, as a candidate species, there is no official Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulatory jurisdiction over this species, Colorado Butterfly Plant & Ute ladies tresses orchid The site does contain moist/wet areas that could in theory provide habitat for the Colorado Butterfly Plant and/or Ute ladies tresses orchid. However, the habitat is dominated by weedy wetland species such as reed canarygrass and smartweed. Accordingly, it is highly unlikely that either of the plants are present on-site. On behalf of the Applicant, Coler &Colantonio, Inc. has request and received U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service clearance for these species (see Attachment D). Mexican Spotted Owl The site does not contain suitable potential Mexican Spotted OwI habitat. These birds prefer uneven aged forest habitat and rocky canyons. Neither of these habitat types are present on or near the project site. The project will not impact the Mexican Spotted Owl. Asphalt Paving Company October 11, 2005 Wattenberg West Sand and Gravel Mine Page 17