2010-06-04_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1982056

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The alluvium of Trout Creek and its tributaries is an important source of ground water. The alluvial bodies are used as water supplies, provide sub-irrigation to vegetation, and supply base flow to the streams. The alluvial bodies are recharged by both the streams and the bedrock aquifers. Local Climate The local climate is semi-arid with a mean annual precipitation of 14.6 inches. Approximately 45 percent of this precipitation occurs during the growing season of April through September. High temperatures generally range from 70-80°F in the summer months to below freezing in the winter months. Normally, a significant snowpack resides on the ground for 4-5 months during the winter. Soils Two broadly classified soil complexes exist within the permit area. These are Typic Paleoborolls - Borollic Camborthids and Argic Cryoborolls- Cryic Paleoborolls. However, prior to mining, the Typic Paleoborolls - Borollic Camborthids soils covered the disturbed area. They occur primarily on uplands and are formed in materials weathered in place from soft shale. These clayey soils are moderately deep to deep, well drained and usually contain less than 35 percent rock fragments. Permeability is slow, shrink/swell potential is high and potential frost action is moderate to high. These soils are used for rangeland, non-irrigated cropland, and irrigated hay and pastureland. Vegetation The permit area is situated below a western spruce/fir forest within both a mountain mahogany/scrub oak complex and a sagebrush steppe vegetation zone. The lower portions of Twentymile Park were historically dominated by low sagebrush community which has since given way to cultivated vegetation types and other agricultural practices. Somewhat higher elevations are dominated by big sagebrush or mountain shrub communities. The highest elevations and/or steep north facing slopes surrounding Twentymile Park are dominated by aspen, mountain shrub, and occasionally, spruce/fur communities. Within the permit area, existing vegetation is comprised of seven plant communities consisting of aspen, mountain shrub, sagebrush, sagebrush/meadow, pasture, cropland, and meadow. Of these, only four may be disturbed by surface facilities: sagebrush, sagebrush/meadow, pasture, and cropland. Wildlife Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general area. The most predominant are elk, mule deer and Columbian sharptail grouse. Other wildlife species include: black bear, cougar, rabbit, coyote, bobcat, red fox, rodents, bats, skunks, waterfowl, amphibians and reptiles. Two golden eagle nests are located on sandstone cliffs adjacent to the disturbed area within the permit boundary. There is critical winter habitat for elk, an elk migration corridor and elk calving Foidel Creek Mine 10 June 4, 2010