2011-09-29_PERMIT FILE - M2009056

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and emerging in a spring elsewhere will not be substantially altered chemically to any measurable degree. Sub - surface geo- chemistry interaction upon storm- waters entering the ground water should be similar to that soaking in on native surface soils. Mitigation/Residual Effects: Blizzard conditions are common in the proposal area. As such, it is probable that excavated areas will drift in heavily resulting in short term melt -water at volumes greater than anticipated from annual rain gauge averages. Drift snowmelt will be a likely unanticipated source of runoff (also around buildings equipment) through the expected life of this mine. Equipment should not be left in the pit where interaction between ponded storm -water and contaminant sources are possible. No Action Alternative Direct and Indirect Impacts: Not disturbing these lands keeps that specific area intact eliminating concerns addressed in the proposed action. However, if no action is taken, the proposal would not be discretionary under the 1872 mining law and gold mining could occur. As such, the applicant would still be able to proceed without the sale of sand and gravel. Overall, this would have the same effects as the Proposed Action, but is really more similar to Alternative 1. Cumulative Impacts: Similar to the proposed action Mitigation/Residual Effects: Similar to the proposed action Other Alternative Direct and Indirect Impacts: This alternative is similar to the proposed action with respect to aquatic resources. Cumulative Impacts: Similar to the proposed action. Mitigation/Residual Effects: Similar to the proposed action. Finding on the Public Land Health Standard for Plant and Animal Communities: No aquatic wildlife communities are directly affected by this action on public land, or anticipated to be so on local private lands. WILDLIFE, TERRESTRIAL (includes a finding on Standard 3) Affected Environment: The proposed project has an elevation of about 9,900 feet with an annual precipitation of 16 -18 inches. The parcel is dry with only upland vegetation. The project site vegetation is subalpine grassland and the adjacent slopes are lodgepole pine and spruce -fir. The site is within an area of exurban development containing several dwellings, roads, and infrastructure. SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS Elk: The elk is a large cervid whose general body color is pale tan or brown. Generalist feeders, elk are both grazers and browsers. In the northern and central Rocky Mountains, grasses and shrubs compose most of the winter diet, with the former becoming of primary importance in the spring months. Elk tend to inhabit higher elevations during spring and summer and migrate to lower elevations for winter range. During winter, elk form large mixed herds on favored winter range. Elk are found throughout the area of this project. 32