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6.4.8 EXHIBIT H -WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br />Two species listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) <br />potentially use the proposed permit area. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are <br />listed as threatened. They winter in the Loveland area and are reported to fly up and <br />down the Big Thompson River (Olmstead, 1999). Bald eagles probably hunt over the <br />proposed permit area. Additionally, the mature cottonwoods adjacent on the site are <br />potential bald eagle perch sites. <br />Preble's meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius prebler~ (PMJM) are listed as <br />threatened. They are associated with dense herbaceous riparian vegetation and are <br />usually found close to water (USFWS, 2002). However, detailed studies have shown <br />that PMJM feed and rest in areas up to 330 ft from the 100-year floodplain (USFWS, <br />2002). Potential PMJM habitat is present in the riparian corridor adjacent to the area to <br />be mined..Therefore, a PMJM presence/absence survey was performed in June 2002. <br />No PMJM were found during this survey. Additionally, other presence absence surveys <br />near the project area have failed to find PMJM present. Based on these surveys it is <br />concluded that PMJM are unlikely to be affected by the proposed mining activity. <br />Potential Effects <br />The proposed gravel mining is unlikely to have significant effects on wildlife resources <br />for the following reasons: <br />• The riparian corridor will riot be disturbed by mining activities. <br />• The project area is a small portion of the range of larger species, such as deer and <br />raptors, that use the project area. <br />• The permit area is highly disturbed by agricultural and other activities and cover on <br />the site is sparse. <br />• The life of the proposed mine is relatively short. Mined areas will be reclaimed to <br />agricultural use within 1 year of being mined. Other areas currently being mined <br />(R&O Pit) by the applicant will be reclaimed when mining the Gardels Pit <br />commences. Therefore, the total amount of area being mined by the applicant will <br />not increase. <br />• The hours the pit is in operation will avoid peak activity times of mule deer and <br />white-tailed deer. <br />• There will be no increase in human activity in the project vicinity as a result of the <br />mining activity. <br />Gardels Pit <br />Regular 112 Permit Application <br />