Laserfiche WebLink
granite, highwalls and crushing plant and again move it down the two stream canyons. This will <br /> negatively impact the "health, safety and general welfare" of the existing neighbors. <br /> Reclamation —The proposed reclamation of this quarry cannot return the location to anything <br /> which resembles or functions as it does now in its current natural state. This area is currently <br /> unique in its mix of flora and fauna. Example- the pinion juniper component of quarry area <br /> includes trees and Gambles Oak which are over 200 years old, with some over 400. These <br /> plants, which have grown and evolved, simply can't be replaced in an area which has been <br /> stripped down to basement rock and will be surrounded by access blocking highwalls. <br /> Specifically, the existing pinion /juniper woodlands habitat, which is the essence of the area's <br /> unique biological character, cannot be replaced yet these characteristics are necessary to <br /> recreate the existing condition and support the indigenous wildlife population. <br /> Nor can anyone return the areas along Little Turkey Creek to the vital habitat which supports a <br /> diverse wildlife population and migratory users. Again for context, this work is without the benefit <br /> of the natural hillside slopes, which hold soil, grasses and trees, and are being replaced by <br /> highwall benches, <br /> Again, to compound the importance of this habitat reclamation, please realize that there is <br /> already the Schmidt quarry in the Big Turkey Creek drainage and it has greatly disrupted the <br /> existing wildlife population and migration routes. Little Turkey Creek is now the main remaining <br /> drainage through which wildlife can move between the plains up into the higher country to the <br /> west. If the quarry proceeds, there will be no riparian creek centered east west access. It is <br /> irreplaceable and beyond reclamation efforts. <br /> We object strongly to this proposed quarry. It is unnecessary as there are other quarries nearby <br /> and if they can't provide the granite for the area's demand, there are many other locations which <br /> can provide the granite with much less disturbance to surrounding existing residents, and a <br /> sensitive, unique critical environment. Please deny the permit application. <br /> Warren H Dean <br />