1980-07-11_REVISION - M1977493 (8)

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Climax conducted a very limited soil and subsoil survey of disturbed sites over its property (31 sample sites) for purposes of fertility determination. Soil chemical analysis was performed by the Colorado State University Soil Testing Laboratory. Overall deficiencies in phosphorus and nitrogen were noted. Organic matter and lime levels were low. Potas- sium, zinc and iron levels were tolerable . The pH ranged within levels suitable for good grass growth, and salt levels will pose no salt problems. 7.3 WILDLIFE RESOURCES Numbers and types of wild animals present or which frequent the vicinity of the Climax Mine were investigated by Dr. Fred A. Glover ( 1973 ) . His report indicated the small mammal densities listed in Table 7.3-1 . Table 7.3-3 lists many animals observed or believed to frequent the Climax area. Common game animals in the Climax vicinity are elk, mule deer , snowshoe hare , blue grouse, white-tailed ptarmigan. Tracks of bighorn sheep have been sighted nearby. A common year-around predator is the red fox. Beaver are presently being live-trapped and moved to other areas with the cooperation of the Colorado Division of Wildlife . Limited natural fish populations of rainbows, cut- throat, brook trout and brown trout survive in the upper waters of Clinton Creek, the Arkansas River and the Eagle River. Buffehrs Lake also has a limited fish population. The Arkansas River above and below the Climax property, the Eagle River and the Chalk Mountain Reservoir are annually stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout from a local fish hatchery at the expense of Climax Molybdenum Company. Clinton Reservoir, recently constructed by Climax Molybdenum Company, was stocked during 1976 and 1977 with cutthroat fingerlings by the Colorado Division of Wildlife . 7-7