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1979/80 SURVEY <br />Mariah Associates performed the first and most important wildlife investigation on the original <br />NH1 mine area in 1979. Appendix 2.04.11 -1 — 1980 Mariah wildlife study includes a copy of <br />the report of this investigation. This formal survey was completed on what is now called the Rice <br />Tract and is shown as the cross hatched area on Map 2.04.11 -1, New Horizon North Mine - <br />Wildlife Map. However, their wildlife study area, included all of what is now included as the <br />proposed New Horizon North Mine (NHN) Permit Area. As shown on this map, major portions <br />of this survey area were performed on areas that were subsequently mined and have been <br />reclaimed. <br />The 1979/80 study was performed based upon detailed literature reviews and consultations with <br />various state and federal agency biologists and resulted in detailed on -site surveys being <br />performed in May, 1979, June, 1979, October 1979, and January 1980. During these intensive <br />studies, small mammal census transects, avian census transects, mammalian predator survey <br />routes, insect surveys, herpetofauna, avifauna surveys, which resulted in Passerine birds, <br />Raptorial birds, Upland game birds and Waterfowl being studied. Big game surveys were also <br />conducted. Detailed studies were also performed on the potential presence and habitat use of <br />federal Threatened and Endangered wildlife species. The location of these transects and survey <br />routes are shown on Map 2.04.11 -1, New Horizon North Mine - Wildlife Map. <br />The results obtained from these studies were correlated with the five vegetation types identified <br />in the 1979 studies, which were identified as Upland Sagebrush, Grassland pasture, Agricultural <br />(Alfalfa field), Juniper and Riparian vegetation types. By way of correlation, these types <br />correspond to the vegetation types described in Section 2.04.10 as the Sagebrush, Dryland <br />Pasture, Irrigated Pasture and Wetland vegetation types. There is no remaining Juniper <br />vegetation type in the proposed North Mine Permit Area. <br />Based upon these field studies and literature review, it was determined that there were 53 species <br />of mammals, 109 species of avifauna and 20 species of amphibians and reptiles that were <br />observed or could potentially occur in the area. Small mammals were found to be most abundant <br />in the Riparian vegetation type and the Meadow Vole was the most abundant species <br />encountered. A total of three Gunnison prairie dog towns were observed and a total of 16 adult <br />prairie dogs and 123 burrows were observed. <br />The Juniper vegetation type was found to be the most commonly used habitat type by breeding <br />passerine birds, being represented by twelve species, with a population density of 40.0 <br />individuals/km. The Alfalfa field vegetation type was represented by nine species, and this type <br />was found to possess the highest total avian population 45.3 individuals/km. Riparian vegetation <br />type (9 species) was found to possess an avian population of 36.0 individuals/km. The Upland <br />Sagebrush vegetation type was found to possess eight species and a population density of 22.7 <br />individuals/km. The Grassland pasture vegetation type was found to be the homogeneous <br />vegetation type evaluated and possessed four species with a density of 26.0 individuals/km. The <br />most commonly observed passerine species in decreasing order of abundance were: Red - winged <br />Section 2.04.11 Page 2 April 2011 <br />