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s <br />3. Seasonal Use of Affected Lands <br />The pasture land and riparian areas provide good cover and forage throughout the year. Also <br />through the addition of ponds and fringe wetlands to the area during and after reclamation, the <br />site will serve as superb migratory waterfowl habitat. <br />4. Presence and Estimated Population of Threatened or Endangered species in the area. <br />No threatened or endangered species are present in the area. <br />5. Endangered Fish <br />The beginning of the reach for critical habitat for fish lies approximately 2 miles down stream <br />from the site, and continues downstream to Grand Junction. The operation will not affect the <br />River downstream in any way, since all runoff and discharge will be carefully regulated and <br />water loss from evaporation will be offset by reducing consumption by irrigation. <br />6. Fish Resources <br />Only 14 species of fish are native to the upper Colorado: the Colorado pikeminnow, bonytail, <br />humpback chub, razorback sucker, Colorado River cutthroat trout, Rocky Mountain whitefish, <br />roundtail chub, speckled dace, Kendall Warm Springs dace, flannelmouth sucker, mountain <br />sucker, bluehead sucker, mottled sculpin and the paiute sculpin. However, there are numerous <br />non-native species of fish competing for habitat. Down river is the start of the endangered <br />species habitat for the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonylail and humpback chub. <br />Prior to stocking fish in the reclaimed lakes the landowner will consult the CDOW for guidance. <br />7. General Effects of the Operation on the Existing Wildlife of the Area <br />The change in impact can basically be described as a lessening of habitat for big game and small <br />mammals due to reduction in riparian and pasture areas and an increase in waterfowl habitat due <br />to the increase in wetlands and water areas. The portion of the site which lies to the south of the <br />river has not been mined; however the site is surrounded by I-70, Lafarge's Mamm Creek Pit, <br />and the Colorado River. It should also be noted that along the entire stretch of river bordered by <br />Scott Pit March 10 H-6