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abundance of flowers and seed heads to identify the plant species. <br />6. A discussion of the hydrology source (subsurface or surface, including potential <br />irrigation influence. <br />Response: Evidence strongly suggests upon comparing the 1992 and the 2001 wetland <br />maps of this property that most if not all of the wetlands on the proposed mine expansion area are <br />heavily dependent on irrigation waters for their growth and survival. The mining operations have <br />resulted in the irrigation ditch being relocated to the northern most portions of the site with the <br />middle and southern portions of the property now not being within the area of irrigation. As we <br />noted in our 2001 report the changes in irrigation between 1992 and 2001 had resulted in some <br />areas where wetlands had disappeared and other areas where new wetlands had formed. There is <br />very little evidence of any horological connection between the Yampa River and these wetland <br />areas and there is no evidence of any groundwater discharge adjacent to these wetland areas. It is <br />our opinion that irrigation is the major driving force in the establishment and continuing <br />maintenance of the wetlands on this site. <br />7. A site location map, preferably outlined on a 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle, along <br />with other pertinent maps of the site. The map must provide the name of the USGS <br />quadrangle, Section, Township, Range and UTM or latitude and longitude. <br />Response: A site location map labeled Map 1, Hogue Gravel Pit - Site Location is <br />enclosed to show the site in relationship to the overall are. As can be observed on this map this <br />specific map was prepared from portions of the Mad Creek and Cow Creek USGS quad sheets. <br />This map shows the Township and Range. As well as the latitude and longitude on it. <br />8. Directions to the site. <br />Response: The site is located to the south of U.S. Highway 40 and is located <br />approximately 4.5 miles west of the center of Steamboat Springs. The site is readily visible from <br />the highway. <br />9. Contact information for the applicant(s) and property owner(s). <br />Response: The contact person for the wetland related matters pertinent to this site should <br />be directed to Mr. Kent Crofts of IME at 970-638-4462. The contact for the operator is Ms. <br />Cheryl Driggers with Duckels Construction, Inc., at 970-879-6072. The contact for the <br />landowner is Mr. Mike Hogue at 970-879-5649. <br />10. A discussion of plant communities and habitat types present on the site and a list of <br />the scientific name, common name(s) and indicator status of all plants. <br />Response: As are shown on Map 2, Hogue Pit Expansion Area - Wetland Delineation <br />Map, there is only wetland plant community type found within this area, being that of herbaceous <br />wetlands dominated by Sedges, Spreading Bentgrass and Reed Canarygrass. All of the wetlands <br />associated with Wetland Area 1 are devoid of any willows or shrubby component. Adjacent to <br />Wetland Areas 2 through 5 are some large Narrowleaf Cottonwood trees, but there are no trees <br />found with the actual wetland areas. It is believed that since this property has been used for <br />many decades as a wintering feeding site for cattle, that most of the willows, tree seedings and <br />such have been lost due to persistent livestock grazing of these plants. A discussion of these