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6. General Effects of the Operation on the Existing Wildlife of the Area <br />An area of approximately 9.24 acres of pinyon / juniper trees will be removed during mining. <br />See Map C-1. This area will be reclaimed to rangeland (2.6 acres) and irrigated pasture (6.6 <br />acres). Pinyon and juniper trees will eventually revegetate this portion of the rangeland. Gravel <br />extraction and crushing activities will no doubt create some disturbance to animals near the site. <br />This area will be used by wildlife more significantly in the winter months when activities in the <br />pit are minimal. The impacts at this location are temporary and will be reclaimed as described in <br />the reclamation plan. Migrating animals will probably avoid the site, but the proposed pit does <br />not block any known migratory routes, and wildlife should be able to move through the area <br />unimpeded. Due to the possibility for animal/vehicle collisions, hauling activities will probably <br />pose the biggest threat to wildlife. Haul trucks should keep to posted speeds and drivers need to <br />remain aware of the potential for collisions. <br />The mining and reclamation of the site will create some rangeland slopes on the east, south and <br />west edges of the disturbed area. This area could help deer and elk use the site more frequently, <br />since it will provide some additional cover. See Map F. <br />Simmons Pit, March 2009 H-2