Laserfiche WebLink
EXHIBIT "H" <br />6.4.8 Wildlife Information <br />(1) Description of game and non -game resources on and in the vicinity of the Operation: <br />The existing site is primarily under center pivot irrigated farmland with marginal areas of <br />"natural" land. The vicinity areas include "natural" land and areas that have been mined, converted to <br />agricultural purposes and home lots of various sizes. Wildlife is generally opportunistic and will use <br />what suits its immediate needs. <br />(a) Significant wildlife resources on the affected land: The present land use of the site is <br />irrigated agriculture. Therefore, there are no known significant wildlife resources on the areas to be <br />affected. <br />(b) Seasonal use of the area: There is no known significant seasonal use of the affected <br />land since the site is presently is crop land. <br />(c) The presence of threatened or endangered species: Since the site is presently a <br />commercial farm, there are no known threatened or endangered plants or animal species on the <br />proposed affected land. <br />(d) Describe the effect of mining and reclamation activity during and after the <br />proposed operation on existing wildlife: Based on the Operator /Applicant's response to Items <br />6.4.8(a), (b) and (c), the proposed activities should not have a significant impact on wildlife. The <br />majority of the long -term mining and reclamation activity will occur within the confines of the <br />depressed mining operation. Dependent on the Phase of the Operation, stockpiles of overburden and <br />topsoil, and earthen dams will surround the active mining area. Therefore, noise and visual issues <br />concerning wildlife should be minimal. <br />(2) Division of Wildlife comments: The Division of Wildlife (DOW) submitted a wildlife <br />statement for this project, attached (Appendix I). The basis of their comments was that special care <br />should be given to protect "riparian habitat. And that non - native vegetation, such as Tamarisk and <br />Russian olive should be controlled and /or removed is recommended. Where possible, the <br />Operator /Applicant will attempt to satisfy the DOW concerns. <br />