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'cover' has been developed by relief in the terrain. I feel this may be quite useful for reestablishing the <br />cover component prior to sufficient shrub growth...". <br />Once grading is completed, direct-haul topsoiling will be maximized (Tab 21, Minesoil Reconstruction); <br />that is, as much topsoil as possible which is removed from an area to be mined will be immediately <br />distributed upon the graded spoil in areas to be reclaimed. Because of this the topsoil will maintain its <br />viability, and native vegetation, especially those shrubby species found in the premining vegetation <br />communities, can be more easily and readily reestablished. <br />All disturbed areas will be topsoiled, mulched, and permanently seeded as soon as possible after <br />disturbance occurs (Tab 21, Minesoil Reconstruction, and Tab 22, Revegetation Plan) to minimize the <br />amount of habitat lost to wildlife at any one time and to reduce erosional problems and possible <br />increases in stream sedimentation. <br />As described in Tab 22, shrub and aspen islands will be established to provide habitat diversity, cover, <br />and edge effect, items very important to wildlife species. These islands las shown on Exhibit 22-11 will <br />provide cover and feeding areas over time within the larger reclamation blocks for big game, song birds, <br />and small mammals, especially during the winter months. In addition, shrubs are included within the <br />revegetation seed mixes to enhance reestablishment of shrub habitat. Shrub planting densities in the <br />shrub islands will be between 1,000 and 2,000 seems/acre depending on the moisture conditions, and <br />aspen planting densities will be dictated by the results of the Aspen Transplant Study. Further, the <br />plant species used in the Revegetation Plan (Tab 22) are predominantly native and have been selected <br />because of their ability to provide nutritional forage and grazing to both wildlife and livestock. <br />The Hydrologic Control Plan (Tab 13, Facilities) and the Hydrology Monitoring Plan ITab 151 combine to <br />assure that water quality and quantity for fish- and wildlife-related values will be protected. Selected <br />ponds will be designed as permanent impoundments for both livestock and wildlife, pending regulatory <br />approval. Information on specific ponds can be found in Tab 13 and Tab 15. The NPDES Permit INo. <br />CO-00021) requires strict control of water quality as it leaves the mine site so that downstream <br />impacts to fish resources in the Yampa River are protected. Further, the Water Rights Mitigation Plan, <br />as approved in response to Stipulation No. 6 to this permit, has the added benefit of assuring water <br />releases that will benefit fish, wildlife, and livestock during the period of mining activity. <br />Threatened Endangered, or Protected Plants or Animals. The only protected species known to breed <br />within or immediately adjacent to the mine area is the golden eagle. Nest locations are shown on <br />Exhibit 11-3. Discussion of monitoring for eagle nests follows. <br />Should any new threatened, endangered, or protected plant or animal species for their critical habitat) <br />be detected during operations or monitoring activities, the proper regulatory agencyliesl will be <br />immediately informed and, aster consultation, the best course of action will be determined. <br />TR-50 2 Revised 11/04 <br />• <br />• <br />• <br />