2010-03-05_PERMIT FILE - C1981033A

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• area because of the limited acreages of disturbance involved. Following mining, the area will be restored to a topography as shown on the Post-Mining Topography Map (Map 12). Alteration of Natural Shelters. Because of the minor amounts of disturbance associated with the planned mining, negative impacts on any wildlife shelters should be only minimal and temporary. During mining, small mammals and larger game wiiT tend to move away from the areas affected by the surface operations and facilities. Some natural shelters may be disrupted but alternative sites will be quickly selected. No negative impacts to wild]ife resulting from noise, dust or ground shock disturbances are anticipated. Upon successful reclamation, natural shelter will be reestablished and wildlife will tend to move back into the area. Destruction of Food Source. Because of disturbance by surface effects of previous underground coal mining and the residential units found • within the area, the food source found in this area is somewhat limited. Following reclamation, the forage production and cover on the reclaimed sites can be expected to be at least equal and probably exceed values found on pre-mining sites. The mining operations will cause a temporary disturbance of food source in the area. However, because the area surface support facilities are quite small, the adjacent area should provide an adequate food source until reclamation operations are complete. Destruction of Non-Mobile Wildlife. Undoubtedly, some small non-migratory wildlife species will be destroyed during facility relocation. However, the prolific reproduction ability of these small site specific species will result in almost instant reestablishment once the surface facilities are constructed and following mining once reclamation commences. The overall effect of reclamation for small non-mobile mammals will be an increase in available habitat and an increase in densities. l J 2.05-51