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EXHIBIT J <br />Vegetation Information <br />To evaluate potential vegetation impacts from the proposed operation, information was <br />gathered during site investigations and from the Natural Diversity Information Source <br />(NDIS). The NDIS combines plant and animal abundance data from the Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife (DOW) and other Colorado natural resource agencies to be used for <br />land-use analyses and decision making. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service <br />(USFWS) maintains a list of federally threatened and endangered species as well as <br />candidate species for the State of Colorado. This list was reviewed and plant species <br />that appear on this list that are potentially applicable to the project include the following: <br />Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp coloradensis) <br />Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis) <br />Vegetation information was gathered during site investigations performed by an <br />ecologist from Tiglas Ecological Services. Site investigations were performed on April <br />28, May 3, May 8, and May 16, 2006. <br />Wetland delineations were conducted during the site investigations. Two communities of <br />wetlands were delineated but were determined to be non-jurisdictional by the Corps of <br />Engineers. See the attached delineation report by Tiglass Ecological Services and <br />jurisdictional determination letter from the Corps of Engineers. Typical wetland <br />vegetation observed in these areas consists of reed canarygrass (Phalaris <br />arundinacea), seedling plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Canada thistle (Cirsium <br />arvense), and broad-leaved cattail (Typha latifolia). <br />Tiglass Ecological Services performed a plant habitat survey for the Ute ladies'-tresses <br />orchid in appropriate potential habitat on-site. The plant was not observed during the <br />survey. During this investigation there was also no suitable habitat found for the <br />Colorado butterfly plant per Tiglass Ecological Services. <br />The project site consists mostly of disturbed weedy pasture, with smaller areas <br />consisting of outbuildings (northeast corner of property), and two small non-jurisdictional <br />wetland areas as described in the attached delineation report. Extensive areas of trees <br />were not noted; however, there are a few mature Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifoli) trees <br />located in the north east corner of the site as well as seedling plains cottonwood <br />(Populus deltoides) in one of the isolated non-jurisdictional wetland areas. Grasses <br />observed on the site included short prairie grass along the eastern edge of the site <br />consisting of blue grama and sideoats grama. Other vegetation included yucca plants, <br />prickly pear cactus. <br />Derr Pit Project <br />DRMS112 <br />J&T Consulting, Inc. Permit <br />u_r