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Loadout Area <br />The pinon juniper community type occupies slopes and ridge tops over much of the area <br />associated with the truck dump. Pinon pine and Utah juniper form open, low density stands in <br />which both shrub and herbaceous understory are very sparse. The pinon mouse, least chipmunk, <br />and Colorado chipmunk are characteristic of this community. Bobcats may frequent the area <br />searching for rodents, and mule deer and elk traverse the area as they pass from bedding grounds <br />to feeding ground. The most common birds in this community type include the pinon jay, scrub <br />jay, magpie, and various raptors. <br />The sagebrush community generally associated with deeper soils is also present in the permit <br />area. Herbaceous cover is sparse, although diverse, and may provide limited winter browse for <br />elk and mule deer. Other animal species, which may be encountered, include the sagebrush vole, <br />least chipmunk, Colorado chipmunk, American bobcat, and the jackrabbit. The most common <br />bird encountered is the sage sparrow, although numerous other species of birds utilize this <br />community for feed and cover. <br />The riparian habitat along the Roaring Fork River, with vegetation dominated by trees such as <br />cottonwoods and willows, is mostly surrounded by developed land. Bird species encountered <br />here included the white-crowned sparrow, Lincoln sparrow, gray-headed junco, and mountain <br />chickadees. Raptors may perch in the taller cottonwoods. Small mammals encountered include <br />the long-tailed vole and an occasional northern pocket gopher. Although not observed, the <br />western jumping mouse may occur. This community is used by deer as a loafing area and for <br />protection during winter months. Elk move into these areas during severe winters. A nesting pair <br />of bald eagles was identified on land west of the permit area. <br />During 1992, the Aspen Glen Company permitted a planned unit development (residential and <br />golf course) on that portion of the loadout site that lay to the east of the Roaring Fork River. That <br />land has subsequently been developed and released from the permit area. <br />Land Use <br />Historically, agricultural communities in the Roaring Fork Valley have produced cattle, sheep, <br />and hay. Today, however, sheep production is limited. Cattle is now the only significant <br />agricultural commodity exported from the valley. Other land uses in this region are housing, <br />recreation, timber production, and mining. Recreational uses are seasonal and include skiing in <br />winter; hunting in fall; and fishing, camping river rafting, and backpacking in summer. The <br />Roaring Fork Drainage Basin has become a popular location for vacation homes and <br />condominiums, due in part to the skiing, recreation, and tourism that is popular in the area. The <br />loadout area east of the Roaring Fork River was rezoned by Garfield County to allow a Planned <br />Unit Development. The post-mining land use for a 4.1-acre area of the mine site has been <br />designated as Developed Water Resources. <br />North Thompson Creek C-1981-025 12 May 2009 <br />Permit Renewal 05 <br />8