Laserfiche WebLink
somewhat limited. Following reclamation, the forage production and <br />cover on the reclaimed sites can be expected to be at least equal and <br />probably exceed values found on pre-mining sites. The mining operations <br />will cause a temporary disturbance of food source in the area. However, <br />because the area of surface support facilities are quite small, the <br />adjacent area should provide an adequate food source until reclamation <br />operations are complete. <br />Destruction of Non-Mobile Wildlife. Undoubtedly, given the proximity of <br />the mine to State Highway 160, some small non-migratory wildlife species <br />will be destroyed by traffic; however, this problem is ongoing and <br />should be altered insignificantly once mining is initiated from the Coal <br />Gulch Mine. The prolific reproduction ability of the small <br />site-specific species will result in reestablishment following mining <br />and the commencement of reclamation. The overall effect of reclamation <br />for mammals will be an increase in available habitat and an increase in <br />densities. <br />• Displacement of Mobile Wildlife Species. Wildlife that once utilized <br />the immediate area of disturbance have been displaced. This <br />displacement will probably not produce any negative impacts on the <br />adjacent range due to the small nature of disturbance associated with <br />the surface support facilities. The area disturbed by the Coal Gulch <br />Mine is minimal, and the ability of the area to support much wildlife is <br />also limited because of past management practices. <br />Some temporary and minor negative impacts are inevitable on wildlife <br />inhabiting the permit and adjacent areas. In the area of surface <br />support facilities, short term negative impacts to wildlife are to be <br />expected. With proper reclamation, enhancement of wildlife habitat is <br />expected to occur. As explained under Section 2.05.4 and Section <br />2.05.5, forage production on reclaimed sites should equal or exceed <br />those found on the pre-mining sites. The overall effect on the adjacent <br />area will be positive since the availability of forage on the reclaimed <br />• site may relieve some pressure on adjacent sites still being utilized <br />for mining activities. <br />2.05-41 <br />