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6.4.8 Wildlife Information <br />(1) Description of game and non-game resources on and in the vicinity of the <br />Operation: The existing site is a commercial sod farm with marginal areas of "natural" land. <br />The vicinity areas include "natural" land and areas that have been mined, converted to <br />agricultural purposes and home lots of various sizes. Wildlife is generally opportunistic and will <br />use what suits its immediate needs. <br />{a) Significant wildlife resources on the affected land: The present land use of the <br />site is a commercial sod farm. Therefore, there are no known significant wildlife resources on <br />the areas to be affected. <br />(b) Seasonal use of the area: There is no known significant seasonal use of the <br />affected land since the site is presently a commercial sod farm. <br />(c) The presence of threatened or endangered species: Since the site is presently a <br />commercial sod farm, there are no known threatened or endangered plants or animal species on <br />the proposed affected land. <br />(d) Describe the effect of mining and reclamation activity during and after the <br />proposed operation on existing wildlife: Based on the Operator/Applicant's response to Items <br />6.4. S(a), (b) and (c), the proposed activities should not have a significant impact on wildlife. The <br />majority of the long term mining and reclamation activity will occur within the confines of the <br />depressed mining operation. Dependent on the Stage and Phase of the Operation, stockpiles of <br />overburden and topsoil, and earthen dams will surround the active mining area. Therefore, noise <br />and visual issues concerning wildlife should be minimal. <br />(2) Division of Wildlife comments: The Division of Wildlife (DOW) submitted a <br />wildlife statement for this project, attached (Appendix I). The basis of their comments was that <br />special care should be given to protect "riparian habitat" and that native vegetation, to include <br />cottonwood trees and willows should be disturbed as little as possible. Where possible, the <br />Operator/Applicant will attempt to satisfy the DOW concerns. <br />EXHIBIT "I" <br />