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68. The Colorado Division of Wildlife was notified about this proposed operation, but the Division of <br />Minerals and Geology received no written comments from the Division of Wildlife. <br />69. The Applicant intends to follow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommendations regarding ongoing <br />wildlife surveys. <br />70. The Applicant's plan to mine and reclaim in panels to ensure minimal disturbance at any one time will <br />minimize impact on wildlife habitat. <br />71. The primary land use for this site is rangeland. The Applicant's re-vegetation plan proposes to improve <br />the ecological diversity of the vegetation for the site. If the plan succeeds, the reclamation will improve <br />the wildlife habitat due to the increased diversity of plant composition and cover compared to the pre- <br />mining conditions. These measures not only ensure minimal adverse impact on both game and <br />nongame species, they may ultimately benefit these species. <br />72. The Application provides sufficient detail to comply with Constmction Materials Rule 3.1.8 and 6.4.8. <br />RECLAMATION COSTS <br />73. Construction Materials Rule 6.4.12 requires that [he Applicant submit all information necessary to <br />calculate the costs of reclamation. This information must be broken down into the major phases of <br />reclamation, and must be sufficient to calculate reclamation costs that could be incurred by the State. <br />74. Exhibit L itemizes the Applicant's estimated reclamation costs for each major phase of reclamation <br />based on the proposed reclamation plan. <br />75. The Division independently estimated reclamation costs, based on the Applicant's reclamation plan. <br />The Division's independent cost estimate was nearly the same as the Applicant's estimate. <br />76. The Division used a computer program specially designed to evaluate reclamation cos[ estimates. This <br />program was developed for evaluating coal mine reclamation under the supervision of the Department <br />of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining. The Division regulazly uses this program to evaluate <br />reclamation cost estimates. Based on its experience with these estimates and actual costs incurred, it has <br />found that the program produces accurate results. <br />