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• <br />EXHIBIT H <br />WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br />Wildlife Resources on the Affected Lands <br />The habitat within the development area has a high wildlife value. Wildlife species in the <br />area include deer, elk, eagles, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and numerous other <br />species. <br />The gravel pit activity will take place in an upland bench adjacent to riparian habitat. <br />Riparian habitats along with water are crucial for most wildlife in the area throughout the <br />year. The majority of animals use this habitat for some aspect of their life cycle. Riparian <br />areas are the most fragile to disruption and offer the best habitat to a wide variety of <br />animal species. <br />Endangered Species <br />No known threatened or endangered wildlife species are found on the proposed pit site. <br />Seasonal Use of Affected Lands <br />The proposed site is important for mule deer and elk as a winter range. Mining operations <br />would be especially stressful during the winter and early spring seasons. <br />General Effects of the Operation on the Existing Wildlife of the Area <br />Gravel extraction and screening activities will no doubt create some disturbance to <br />animals near the site. However, resident wildlife will generally become habituated to <br />these activities. Migrating animals will probably avoid the site, although the site does not <br />block any known migratory routes, and wildlife should be able to move through the area <br />unimpeded. Due to the possibility for animal /vehicle collisions, hauling activities will <br />probably pose the biggest threat to wildlife. Vehicles will keep to posted speeds and <br />driver need to remain aware of the potential for collisions. Since this pit may reduce some <br />truck traffic supplying the Piceance Basin from Meeker, this pit may actually reduce this <br />concern. <br />• <br />Noxious weeds will be controlled during the operation of the pit. The pit will be an asset <br />to wildlife at the time of reclamation as the new vegetation will provide foraging, nesting, <br />and cover habitats for numerous species of wildlife. <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />Refer to DOW attached comments. <br />18 <br />