Mineral Resources, LLC, owner and operator of the Morris Ravine Mine, contracted VESTRA to conduct a feasibility study of mine expansion alternatives in March 2007. As part of the feasibility study, thorough botanical and wildlife surveys were conducted over the approximately 2,500-acre study area controlled by the mining company.

Potential habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog, a federally listed endangered species, was encountered during the surveys. As required, VESTRA facilitated consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to develop appropriate survey protocols. Surveys were conducted from April through September 2007. To date, surveys have resulted in no positive identification of the federally listed species.