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substantially different from the undisturbed natural grassland community. Forest <br />vegetation communities also are common within the District and are represented by <br />aspen-dominated woodlands; open, conifer-dominated woodlands; and dense, conifer- <br />dominated woodlands. Tree species vary in species dominance according to slope and <br />aspect. The more densely populated stands are predominantly bristlecone pine and <br />ponderosa pine while the open stands are predominantly Engelmann spruce and Douglas <br />fir. Aspen is common in the conifer types, but comprises a small percentage of these <br />communities. The other vegetation communities identified in the permit area - wet <br />meadows, riparian woodlands and brush/montane scrub - are less common than those <br />already discussed. <br />In spite of historic disturbances at the site, noxious weeds are not a large problem. Some <br />noxious weed species are present, but the species do no appear to be displacing native <br />vegetation. <br />4.9.1 "Special Status" Plant Species <br />The Colorado Natural Heritage Program ("CNHP") maintains a list of special <br />status plant species for the State. The grassy slope sedge is on the CNHP list and <br />is known to occur in the District and was observed by Arcadis, mostly on south- <br />facing, grassy slopes associated with natural grassland and open conifer woodland <br />communities. <br />4.10 Climate <br />The climate of the Cresson Project area is characterized by a semi-arid high mountain <br />environment with relatively short summers and longer, but moderate winters. <br />Climatological data are available from three stations: a historic station referred to as the <br />Victor station with a data record from February 1966 through February 1976, a station <br />established by CC&V in the vicinity of Bateman Creek with a data record since 1994 and <br />most recently the Rigi station. In addition, gaps within the climatic data have been filled <br />using climate records from the Western Regional Climate Center. <br />Smith Williams Consultants, Inc. ("SWC") has compiled climatological data as part of <br />their report in Appendix 8, Volumes V and VI. The average yearly precipitation, <br />including snowfall, is 18.9 inches. The maximum mean monthly precipitation is 4.27 <br />inches and occurs in the month of July. The minimum mean monthly precipitation is 0.51 <br />inches and occurs during the month of December. <br />Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company <br />Cresson Project Mine Life Extension <br />4-20