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densely populated stands are predominantly bristlecone pine and ponderosa pine while the open <br />stands are predominantly Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir. Aspen is common in the conifer <br />types, but comprises a small percentage of these communities. The other vegetation <br />communities identified within the survey area — wet meadows, riparian woodlands, and <br />brush/montane scrub — are less common than those already discussed. <br />In spite of historic disturbances at the site, noxious weeds are not a large problem. Some <br />noxious weed species are present in association with disturbed areas and along roadways, but the <br />species do not appear to be displacing native vegetation. CC &V employs a third party contractor <br />to spray for noxious weeds annually. <br />4.9.1 "Special Status" Plant Species <br />The western prairie fringed orchid is a federally listed threatened species. The pale <br />moonwort, reflected moonwort, and Rocky Mountain columbine are all listed as State <br />rare plants. None of these special status plant species were observed in the survey area, <br />and past survey data does not suggest the presence of these species in the survey area. <br />4.10 Wetlands <br />Bikis Water Consultants ( "Bikis ") completed a wetlands inventory for the presence of potential <br />wetlands within the MLE2 affected areas in June of 2011. The inventory focused on Squaw <br />Gulch, the Schist Island and Globe Hill portions of the North Cresson Mine area, and extension <br />in the East Cresson Mine area including the WHEX and extension of the ECOSA. This work <br />included an evaluation of previous wetland mapping completed specifically in Squaw Gulch and <br />the WHEX. A complete copy of the Bikis report can be found in Appendix 4, Volume III. <br />The Bikis wetlands evaluation concluded that there are no springs, seeps, or perennial channels <br />within the MLE2 areas studied. In addition, the study areas do not include any hydric soils <br />according to information on the NRCS Web Soil Survey. No wetlands or other waters regulated <br />under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act were found in any of the study areas. The lack of <br />these features is due to the relatively small watersheds, well- drained soils, steep slopes, and only <br />moderate precipitation of the study areas. <br />The wetlands delineation has been reviewed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ( "Corps ") and <br />the Corps has agreed with the Bikis delineations and conclusions (letter dated October 13, 2011), <br />for all areas associated with MLE2. A copy of the Corps' concurrence letter is also included in <br />Appendix 4, Volume III. <br />Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company <br />Cresson Project Mine Life Extension 2 <br />4 -24 <br />