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not be considered critical breeding or nesting habitat for these birds mentioned, but could be considered hunting habitat. However, with the existence of thousands of acres of habitat in the vicinity, the proposed mining activity would likely not impact these birds. Other factors such as climate, predators and domestic cats would likely impact Neotropical migratory birds nesting success far more than this proposed operation. The Neotropical birds and possibly Gambel's quail that seasonally use the sagebrush and pinyon/juniper woodlands, could continue to use habitat located just north of the project area. Herotiles: The herptiles include a variety of reptiles and amphibians. These species may also be temporarily displaced, but might find the rehabilitation that will occur as the project progresses to be more suitable than their present surroundings. Recreation: Hunting, target practice, hiking, biking, horseback riding are some of the incidental recreational activities enjoyed by local residents using this parcel. By and large, the use occurs not because of the quality of the site, but the proximity to Cortez and the County Road access to public lands. It is anticipated that these recreation activities would continue with on-going mining and after mining. Soils/Vegetation: Soils in the site are predominately sharps loam with the surface loam layer about 9 inches deep. The upper horizons go to a depth of about 20 to 40 inches above the soft bedrock of pebble to boulder size rock. Vegetation covering the site consists of an overstory of big sagebrush with some perennial grasses such as bottlebrush squirreltail, Indian ricegrass, western wheatgrass, and needle and thread. While the site has a pretty healthy stand of vegetation, reclamation of the area after mining should yield equal or better diversity and production of perennial species. Season of seed application, mulching and method of application will influence seeding success. From past experience with an old gravel pit immediately west of the proposed site, noxious weeds pose a threat to public lands in the area. If revegetation of the stockpiled areas and reclaimed areas is successful, this should not be a problem. However during operation of the pit, from year to year weeds could become a problem and should bear consideration and monitoring. Visual: This area is not viewed from a major highway, but is adjacent to county roads. It is immediately adjacent to an old unreclaimed gravel pit on private land. While the proposed gravel pit site could be seen by local residents, it is in character for the terrain and removed from dense population areas such as Cortez proper. The land in the proposed mining area is ordinary in nature and generally lacks unique scenic values. However, the site is located in a foothill zone which occurs in 6