2008-03-03_PERMIT FILE - C2006085 (2)

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The surface facility will disturb approximately 20 acres in the NE ~/a of the SW '/a of Section 13. The vegetation type present in undisturbed acres is juniiper-grassland (Map 3, Vegetation Map). Potential Forage Production and Range Condition According to the Soil Survey of Fremont County, potential vegetative production is 200 to 600 dry weight pounds per acre in the area outside the Chandler Creek dry creek bed. Inside the dry creek bed, productivity increases to 1,000 dry weight pounds per acre. (Reference 'Table 6, Soil Survey Fremont County Area, Colorado) Threatened and Endangered Species The Coloradlo Natural Heritage Program performed a threatened and endangered species database search for the area within a two mile radius of the permit area of Sections 11, 12, 13, 23, and 24 of T.19S., R.70W. No designated Potential Conservation Areas were identified in the February 21, 2006 report (Exhibit R). Five fragile species have been sighted within the two mile radius study area: Lewis woodpecker, Triploid Colorado checkered whiptail reptile and plants -Rocky Mountain bladderpod, golden blazing star, Arkansas canyon stick leaf and Dutchrrian's breeches. 2.04.11 Fish and Wildlife Resources Information Northfield's proposed surface facility will be located in the center of Section 13, on the north bank of the dry creek bed known as Chandler Creek. This approximately 20 acre site will include coal extraction, processing, trucking and administrative equipment, structures, and roads. The Land Use Map, Map 1, delineates the facility location. Fish and wildlife information was obtained from two entities. Colorado Natural Heriitage provided a database search of threatened and endangered species for a two mile radius of the permit boundary. Colorado DE~partment of Wildlife responded to a Mined Land Wildlife Questionnaire and performed a site visit in January 2007. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program report states that no Potential Conservation Areas are located with the project area (Exhibit R). The Triploid Colorado Checkered Whiptail was identified as a reptile species possibly in the area that is globally imperilled or vulnerable. This reptile was snot confirmed in the DOW response (Exhibit T). The Colorado Department of Wildlife (DOW) response included identification of potential wildlife species to be pronghorn antelope, elk mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, various small 2.04-30 Revised 11/05/07