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mining operations to most hunting areas. However, most birding at the Reservoir occurs along North <br />Road, and the gravel mining site would be at least partially visible from some areas and noise from <br />mining equipment might be audible. The visual impact of the mine might be negative for some birders, <br />but the surrounding landscape is agricultural with many ranches and houses so the overall visual impact <br />would not appreciably change the viewshed of this rural working landscape. Noise impacts from mining, <br />and increased vehicle traffic along North Road, are likely to adversely affect some users' enjoyment of <br />the birding opportunities. As described in the mitigation measure in Section 6 below, Delta County may <br />propose to convene a group of stakeholders such as local residents and representatives of organized <br />birding groups to identify and address specific impacts to birders. The group may recommend to the <br />County, and the County may implement, such mitigation measures as seasonal or daily timing restrictions <br />on mining operations and truck traffic to reduce impacts to birding at the Reservoir. <br />6. Potential Mitigation Measures <br />The following mitigation measures are recommended: <br />1. Identify and consult with stakeholders interested in Reservoir - associated birds and birding, to <br />provide a forum for public discussion of potential impacts of the project and recommendations to <br />the County for addressing any impacts. Examples of issues the stakeholder's group may consider <br />include: <br />A. Noise from equipment at the mining site is believed not likely to influence birds at the <br />Reservoir. However, once mining operations have begun, if evidence of mining noise <br />impacts to Reservoir - associated bird presence, distribution, or breeding is detected, <br />develop timing limitations on mining operations such as seasonal closures, or daily <br />timing closures, to address the impacts. <br />B. To minimize disturbance to birders, consider seasonal and/or daily restrictions on project - <br />related traffic on the North Road Reservoir causeway; reduced speed limits; or other <br />mitigation measures. <br />C. Consider developing additional off -road parking and wildlife observation areas along <br />North Road, to increase safety and reduce road impacts to people observing wildlife at <br />the Reservoir. <br />2. The mining site currently provides limited habitat value to sandhill cranes and few other <br />Reservoir- associated bird species, common upland wildlife species, and a buffer of open space to <br />more significant habitat values of the Reservoir and adjacent agricultural lands. The site is <br />adjacent to a large conservation easement on private land to the south (see Figure 2). The site <br />will be reclaimed after mining to standards specified by State of Colorado mining regulations. To <br />restore and protect in perpetuity the site's value as Reservoir buffer area after mining is complete, <br />make a written commitment to place a conservation easement on the property post- mining, before <br />conveying the property to another owner. The conservation easement should include provisions <br />to limit subdivision and development on the property to the extent necessary to protect the <br />conservation value of the property as open space buffer for Reservoir - associated wildlife. <br />6 <br />