2010-09-29_REVISION - M1981185 (12)

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R z INCORPORATED ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED- TECHNICALLY PREPARED • MAY DAY IDAHO MINE COMPLEX WILDCAT MINING CORPORATION ORIGINAL 112(d) PERMIT EXHIBIT H Wildlife Information Rule 6.4.8 6.4.8 Introduction GEORGE M.L. ROBINSON,P.G. 1. ERICH RALIBERP.E. ANDREW HARLEY,PH.D GINNY KING Wildlife at the May Day Idaho Mine Complex is typical for this forested region of the Rocky Mountain western slope. Large (elk and mule deer) to small (mice, voles, and squirrel) game and non -game species inhabit this landscape of coniferous and aspen forest (Attachment H -1). The passerine birds in residence are moderately diverse and abundant. Predator species includ- ing coyote and fox traverse the property with an occasional occurrence of black bear and moun- tain lion. Lizards and snakes are present with greater reptile diversity and amphibians within moist drainage locations and along the La Plata floodplain. The wildlife present is adapted to the steep slopes of this mid - montane elevation of approximate- ly 9000 foot m.s.l., between the upper foothill and subalpine habitats. This landscape is predo- minantly spruce and fir forest interspersed with dense gambel oak woods and aspen groves. The La Plata River floodplain of cottonwood and blue spruce trees with a willow and wild berry shrub understory traverses through a small section of the southwestern portion of its approx- imately 600 -acre property boundary. The climate consists of cool, moderately dry summers and cold winters with snowpack. The western slope of southwest Colorado in the Rocky Mountains is relatively undisturbed by human development and therefore has notable natural wildlife habitat. The project boundaries also have not been greatly impacted by human activity other than current and historic mining (in four locations for underground mining adits), limited recreational hunting, and historic timber logging operations. The small community of Mayday is located to the west, across the La Plata River. The majority of the surrounding property is public land under jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, San Juan National Forest District. 6.4.8(1)(a) Description of Significant Wildlife Resources A list of potential species for the May Day Idaho Mine Complex (Attachment H -1) is comprised of wildlife species known to occur in La Plata County at the elevation and habitat type present within the project boundaries (4 carnivores, 3 ungulates, 5 mesomammals, 18 small mammals, 33 birds, 4 reptiles, and 3 amphibians). This list is conservative and only includes species with an abundance of at least "fairly common," with the exception of the mountain lion (Felis conco- May Day Idaho Mine Complex 112(d) Permit Application September 21, 2010 "Strategically Positioned — Technically Prepared" 5555 DTC Parkway Suite A -4000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 Phone: (303)832 -7664, Fax: (303)832 -7469