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• Post-Mining Topography. GEC Minerals, Inc. plans to return the <br />mined area to approximate original contour as shown in Post-Mining <br />Map No. 23 and 24. All drainage patterns will also be restored to <br />the original position and elevation. Because of the small area <br />being disturbed at any one time impacts on any wildlife are <br />expected to be minimal. <br />Alterations of Natural Shelters. Impacts on the wildlife which <br />normally use natural shelters will be temporary. These impacts are <br />expected to minimal because of the minor amount of woodland type <br />vegetation currently found within the mine plan area. During mining <br />activities animals will move to the adjacent areas and utilize <br />natural shelters which are already in existence. Upon reclamation <br />creation of natural shelters is expected to occur in hand with the <br />expected revegetation. <br />Destruction of Food Sources. Because the mine plan area was <br />• partially disturbed due to abandoned surface and underground mines, <br />the food source which is currently found in the undisturbed areas <br />is limited. Following reclamation the additional food sources made <br />available will exceed those currently found to be available to <br />livestock and wildlife simply because of the increase in usable <br />area. The mine operation itself will cause a temporary disturbance <br />of food source in the active pit area, however adjacent areas <br />should be able to provide an adequate temporary source of food <br />until reclamation operations are complete. <br />Destruction of Non-Mobile Wildlife. Non-migratory wildlife species <br />will undoubtedly decrease in population due to the limited disturbance <br />within the mine plan area. However, prolific reproduction abilities <br />of these site specific species will result in nearly instant <br />establishment on reclaimed areas. The final overall effect of <br />reclamation will be to increase the available habitat and consequently, <br />the increase in the densities of the small non-mobile animals. <br />• <br />2.05-38 <br />