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D. Jurisdictional Areas to be Filled Wetlands that were excavated at the Breeze Basin pit will be reclaimed as per the reclamation plan submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) (Appendix C). E. Types, Functions and Values of the Jurisdictional Areas The Breeze Basin pit is located on a property owned by Scott and Sheila Brennise and 4B Land & Livestock, LLC (Scott Brennise, registered agent). Wetlands delineated on the Brennise property consist of fringe wetlands along the Yampa River and wet meadow wetlands associated with an oxbow of the Yampa River (WWE 2008). Although there is no direct connectivity remaining with the Yampa River, these oxbow wetlands persisted from overflow flooding from the Deep Cut Ditch that flows southwest through the neighboring property (Figure 4). These wetlands provided some function of flood attenuation and ground water recharge. The land is used primarily for grazing pasture. The single structure, low diversity wetland provides some grazing habitat for livestock and big game, and limited habitat for birds and aquatic species. II. GOALS OF MITIGATION A. Goals of the proposed mitigation are: (1) To more than offset the functions and values lost as a result of the wetland fill associated with the Breeze Basin Pit. This would be accomplished by constructing a higher value wetland that provides more functions than were available at the Breeze Basin hay field/pasture. In addition to higher functions and values, the mitigation site will be a minimum of three times the area of the Breeze Basin violation. (2) To provide a mitigation area that can be protected from unanticipated disturbances by incorporating a deed restriction for the property. (3) To provide a mitigation area that will include habitat for the many wildlife species that are present along the Yampa River corridor, while providing for control of exotic plants and fish species. The following discussion helps to identify the types of habitat to be created at the proposed mitigation site. B. Types of Habitat to be created The Yampa River corridor supports abundant and diverse wildlife populations due to its size, habitat diversity, and relatively undeveloped and intact habitat complexes. The Craig area is home to large pronghorn, mule deer, and elk herds; the river corridor provides year-round pronghorn and deer habitat and winter range for all of these species. Riparian habitat along the river is also essential winter range to a number of wildlife species and provides habitat for many resident and migratory bird species. Numerous bird species potentially occupy habitat within the project area (Appendix E). Multiple vegetation communities in the riparian zone, which support a wide range of plant species, afford suitable bird habitat. The vegetation communities in the project area provide nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of migratory birds from mid-April to mid-July WestWater Engineering Page 3 of 24 July 2012