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• commitment that all disturbed lands will be rec]aimed as soon as <br />possible after mining activities to restore the necessary environmental <br />balances. <br />The following paragraphs discuss the impacts of various operations on <br />fish and wildlife resources and related environmental values, explains <br />how disturbances and impacts will be avoided or minimized and states how <br />the enhancement of such resources will be achieved. <br />Disturbance of Soils. The disturbance of soils in the land affected by <br />surface operations and facilities will be kept to a minimum through a <br />proper positioning of roads and support facilities. Stripping, storage <br />and redistribution of the topsoil, although only a small area, will have <br />a direct impact on animals with subterranean habitat requirements. This <br />impact, however, will be minimal due to the small amount of area <br />disturbed and will be temporary as ground dwelling wildlife will move <br />back quickly into the area once it is reclaimed. Because of the lack of <br />• cover in the area to be affected by surface support facilities, the <br />disturbance of any ground nesting avifauna will be minimal and most <br />likely absent. <br />Destruction of Vegetation. As stated earlier, the permit area has been <br />affected by the past surface effects of previous underground operations, <br />and by existing single family residents. Although some disturbance of <br />the vegetation within the surface facilities area will take place, the <br />planned reclamation activities should lead to an increase in the value <br />of the post-mining vegetation for wildlife. As stated in Section <br />2.05.4, the reclamation plan of the Bear Coal Company is designed to <br />restore the disturbed areas to a condition at least equal or better than <br />pre-mining land condition. In doing so increased availability of food <br />supplies will be realized and subsequent wildlife populations will <br />undoubtedly increase. <br />Post-Mining Topography. No major disturbance to the pre-mining <br />• topography is planned. During mining, the limited topographical <br />disturbance will probably only have minor impacts on any wildlife in the <br />2.05-50 <br />