PERMFILE133653

• Permit No: X199621901
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 4/25/1996
• Doc Name: NOI Application
• From: COTTONWOOD LAND CO
• To: DMG
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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grasses. Aspen communities are also located within the area.
The cropland areas are primarily utilized for dryland wheat,
while the seeded pastures are wheat grasses. No known
threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species have been
identified in the exploration area. The proposed exploration
activities should not significantly impact any of the various
vegetation types found throughout the area.
SOILS:
The soils within the area are formed primarily from weathered
fine grained sandstone, siltstone, and shale. The dominant soils
are moderately deep to deep, well drained and have loam to fine
sandy loam surface textures .1
LAND USE:
The present land use of the proposed exploration area consists of
domestic grazing, agriculture, ranching, wildlife habitat, and
watershed.
Coal mining has a long history in the Williams Fork Mountains and
adjacent areas. Several small abandoned mines are located within
the exploration area. Active mining occurs both to the east and
west of the project area.
WILDLIFE:
The aspen, sagebrush, mountain shrub types in this area support
habitat for both elk and deer throughout the year. Cliffs
provide raptor nest sites.
Elk and mule deer are the major big game species inhabiting this
area. Elk and deer reproduction areas do occur in the area.
Winter range and critical winter range has been identified by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1979, in the above
referenced tract profile.
Sage grouse have also been identified, in low numbers, in the
proposed exploration area.
Raptors have nested in cliffs formed by the sandstone outcrops in
the area, primarily south of the drilling activities.
WWilliams Fork Tract Profile, Bureau of Land Management,
1982.
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