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~ ~ i <br />after each tract has been excavated, i, e. , the extraction and reclamation <br />processes will be performed concurrently on adjacent tracts until the <br />final tract has been excavated and reclaimed (see timetable in Exhibit <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />~~ <br />D -Mining Plan). The washing plant area will also be reclaimed along <br />with reclamation of the final tract. <br />As each tract is extracted the slopes adjacent to the boundary <br />of the overall excavation area will remain with a gradient no steeper <br />than 3:1 horizontal to vertical. This gradient will also apply adjacent <br />to areas where large cottonwood trees are left undisturbed. The sand <br />slope will be the base for subsequent topsoiling and revegetation. <br />The Lake level will rise and fall as the groundwater Le vet in the <br />vicinity fluctuates, but there will be no impoundment of waters in the <br />affected area (other than the small settling pond used during the <br />operation of the washing plant) to disturb the prevailing hydro Logic <br />balance of the affected Land and of the surrounding area, or to impair <br />flows through the alluvial aquifer. <br />Wildlife movement of mammals along the creek will experience <br />some disturbance during the operation periods, however, the maintenance <br />of the willow and cottonwood trees should minimize the effects on the <br />natural covered movement corridor for deer and coyotes. The upgrading <br />of the surface soil, the increased vegetation coverage per acre, and the <br />presence of open water on the postmined site should increase the density <br />of wildlife species in the area over what presently exists. <br />A minimum of topsoil exists at the site so that the clay strata and <br />silts extracted from 'the excavation area will be relied upon as a medium <br />