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Mr. Erickson <br /> April, 18, 2016 <br /> Page 2 <br /> their refusal to adequately reclaim the land. The citizens of Colorado Springs and El Paso County <br /> are already extremely unhappy with the ugly scars that are visible from everywhere in the <br /> county. The city of Colorado Springs relies upon a high quality of life to attract businesses and <br /> tourism. Destroying the front range is detrimental to our economy and lifestyle. <br /> The Little Turkey Creek area is an active wildlife migration path. It is home to hundreds <br /> of Turkeys, Bobcats, Deer, Elk, Lions, Foxes, and other wildlife. Additionally, it is a unique <br /> ecotone for bird migration. On this road, we have birds that are not typical in the city or <br /> anywhere else in Colorado. The Juniper and Ponderosa forest is a unique habitat that attracts: <br /> three types of Grosbeaks (Evening, Rose-crested, & Black-headed), Lark and Lazuli Buntings, <br /> various types of Finches, Hawks, Falcons, Owls, Nightjars, Magpies, Eagles, Sapsuckers, <br /> Woodpeckers, Juncos, Pine Siskins, Mountain Chickadees, and many other species. Perhaps <br /> most importantly, it is a rare and suitable habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl, which is an <br /> endangered species. Transit Mix has stated in their proposal that the area they are interested in <br /> mining doesn't have enough tall trees or dead crags to support the Mexican spotted owl. That is <br /> simply not true. Anyone who drives up the road can tell you that this is a thick forest, with ample <br /> trees and habitat for birds and other wildlife. <br /> The owner of the property has already poisoned or shot hundreds of Black-tailed prairie <br /> dogs that are not only endangered but was a vital part of the food chain for wild predators in this <br /> area. Our domesticated animals are now at higher risk of being taken by predators because of the <br /> loss of the large prairie dog population in the food chain, destruction of habitat will increase the <br /> danger for our livestock and pets. Many of the citizens of this area have lost dogs or goats to <br /> predators since the prairie dog population was decimated. Colorado cannot continue to allow our <br /> wildlife and beauty to be destroyed without a verifiable need and benefit to its citizens. I would <br /> like to present information to the board regarding the need to protect the migration routes and <br /> wildlife habitat that would be lost as a result of this proposed quarry. <br /> Perhaps most importantly is our water resources. Little Turkey Creek is a semi-arid area <br /> and in times of low precipitation we struggle with water levels. It is not uncommon for us to <br /> have to 'go to town' and bring water in to fill our cisterns. Living in a low water area makes one <br /> very conscientious of waterways and water use. Transit Mix plans could alter the natural <br /> absorption and flow of water in this area significantly. Additionally,they plan on using the <br /> maximum amount of water available for their operations plant, thus diverting that water from the <br /> private use of those who live downstream. <br /> The community is also extremely concerned about the addition of hundreds of additional <br /> heavy trucks(projected at 300-600 additional trucks) on our roads and the danger they pose to <br /> our children, grandchildren, livestock,pets and wildlife. Highway 115 is a narrow and dangerous <br />