2008-04-11_PERMIT FILE - M2008022

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EXHIBIT H - Wildlife Information The proposed 62 acre mining area currently consists mostly of a flat mixed grass pasture (fenced on 3 sides). Some areas to the north, beyond the Deep Cut Ditch and along the Yampa River, are riparian, wetlands and or water/Yampa River channel areas. There are cottonwood trees along the river. The pasture and riparian areas provide habitat for a wide variety of large and small wildlife such as deer, elk, antelope, jackrabbit, cottontail, bobcat and coyote. Proximity to the river areas provides habitat for other small mammals and various indigenous and/or migratory birds. The nominal northwest boundary to the tract follows the centerline of the river channel. The higher in elevation area to the east may provide some elk and deer forage range areas above the river valley. Most of the pasture area may be snow covered during winter months and may. not be available for winter forage. Pasture vegetation is not irrigated and the particular soil type being excavated (Apmay Series) tends to have a low yield/acre unless irrigated. All operations will be within the excavation/pond footprint and disturbed areas will be reclaimed as water surfaces. Adjacent pasture outside of pond footprints will not be disturbed and will remain pasture. The tree grove/island will provide additional habitat for various ground and tree roosting waterfowl similar to the riparian areas along the river front. Irregular pond shorelines and water depths will be developed as part of the site reclamation to encourage more diverse aquatic habitat. The proposed reclamation to ponds will create more variegated habitat within the Yampa River riparian corridor for many migratory species. A small grove of trees in the eastern pond /pasture footprint will not be disturbed. They will be left as a small island in pond 42. All areas that are planned for excavation and reclamation to ponds (other than the small tree grove) are currently fenced mixed grass pasture areas. Current vegetation is composed mixed grasses consisting of various wheatgrasses, timothy, basin wildrye and other varieties. Concurrent reclamation is planned for all the pond edges as each excavation footprint/water surface area is developed over time. Slightly elevated perimeter roads will be constructed for access to the ponds as part of pond edge concurrent reclamation activities. The landowner plans to add additional trees and shrubs wetlands varieties, such as willows and cattails, to the pond edges and perimeter road areas along with the normal grass seed mix as part of the pond edge reclamation. The proposed pond(s) would enhance the migratory routes for waterfowl and increase the food and habitat resources in the immediate area. The general effect of the proposed operation on the existing small wildlife would be minimal (The pond footprint area is currently a fenced pasture) and would in effect, increase the habitat diversity. The particular soil type being mined at the site has good potential for shallow aquatic habitat. The addition of the water surfaces at the