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X. Post-MiningLand Use <br />Mine Site <br />A post-mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat has <br />been approved by the Division. The postmining land use is <br />identical to the premining land use and is consistent with <br />the Fremont County Zoning Regulations for agricultural use. <br />No changes in the land use or zoning are anticipated at this <br />time. <br />Loadout <br />The loadout area had been previously disturbed by railroad construction <br />activities and previous commercial land uses. There is no history of this land <br />being used for pastureland or cropland. However, in keeping with the prevailing <br />land use in the area, EFCI proposes to restore the loadout area to a postmining <br />land use of rangeland. The area is presently zoned for agricultural use by the <br />Fremont County Planning Board. <br />XI. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is part of the planned post-mining land use. The <br />applicant has selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish <br />and wildlife (4.18.(4)(1)). Wildlife resources have been inventoried by the <br />Colorado Department of Wildlife for the Southfield Mine and can be found in <br />Exhibit 12 of the permit application. Letters from the CDOW, included in Exhibit <br />12 indicate no significant impact will occur to the wildlife due to mining activities. <br />None of the wildlife in the area has been identified as a threatened, endangered <br />or protected species. No additional power lines or electrical transmission lines <br />are proposed or planned for the Southfield Mine. Raptor-proof poles were <br />utilized at the mine site. All power poles related to the Southfield Mine operation <br />have been removed. EFCI continues to minimize impacts to wildlife by taking <br />the following steps: <br />1. Operating roads so as to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife species. <br />2. Fence disturbed areas as necessary to exclude wildlife from hazardous <br />areas. <br />3. Restore, enhance, avoid or maintain habitats and vegetation of high value to <br />wildlife. <br />4. Avoid using persistent pesticides. <br />5. Prevent, control and suppress range and coal fires to the extent possible. <br />6. Select plant species to be used in reclaimed areas based on ability to support <br />and enhance wildlife habitat. <br />Page 32 of 36