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Fish and Wildlife Plan <br />During the early stages of pre-planning for the mining operation, Colowyo adopted a policy <br />to return the land to a condition capable of supporting the diverse wildlife populations which <br />the area currently supports. The assumption in the late 1970s was that shrub reestablishment <br />would play a key role in wildlife habitat mitigation. These early efforts were unique in that <br />revegetation with shrub species, especially native shrub species, had never been an integral <br />part of pre-mine planning in the West. Virtually no information was available and very little <br />was known about the growth requirements of native species. To reach these early objectives, <br />Colowyo implemented revegetation and wildlife habitat use studies designed to determine the <br />feasibility and techniques of revegetating disturbed areas with native shrub vegetation <br />adapted to northwest Colorado. However, after 14 years of experience, it has become obvious <br />that reestablishment of shrubs on the reclaimed area is not critical to encourage wildlife use. <br />Colowyo implemented wildlife management and range management programs to offset the <br />potential impacts of mining on wildlife and to improve the rangeland which had deteriorated <br />after years of overgrazing. Other protection measures were also implemented to minimize <br />any possible effects of the increased mining activity. <br />Impacts of Mining Operations on Wildlife Resources Within the Mine Plan Area <br />Several short term negative impacts to wildlife are to be expected in the permit area. <br />Removal of vegetation communities and habitats will be the most direct impact, resulting in a <br />reduction of food source and cover. Non-mobile species will be destroyed in localized areas <br />as vegetation and topsoil are removed. Mobile species will be temporarily displaced until <br />• mined areas are reclaimed. As the mine progresses, some changes in topography will occur <br />through the removing of vegetation, rock outcroppings, draws, etc. which form natural <br />shelters. <br />Disturbance of soils will affect soil profiles, micro-climate, and other soil properties. <br />i <br />2.05-65 <br />