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This area is mapped As a movement corridor for black bears between summer and fill concentration <br /> areas and(he project site is within mapped fall concentration areas.Black bears concent•ato in this area <br /> during the fall,when they enter the physiological state of hype►phuglu."Artificial food sources"or <br /> foods made readily available by people such as garbage and foot)coolers,eta attract black bears and <br /> increase the potential for conflicts between bears and people.The CDOW encourages the project <br /> developer to consult with the local wildlife manager to help Address preventable conflicts and manage <br /> onsite garbage storage.This area is also located in a natural corridor for mountain lions. <br /> The La Plata River rims directly through portions of(lie project area and serves as suitable habitat for a <br /> variety of fish species such As brook,brown,and rainbow trout and native mottled sculpin. Although no <br /> threatened or endangered fish species arc present at the proposed project site,populations of raundtAil <br /> chub,a State species of concern,exist approximately 18 miles downstream of the site.The L.a Plata <br /> River is also mtnnaged under a multi-State and multi-agency range-wide agreement for(lie conservation <br /> of rowidtail chub, blueliead and flaunelmouth sucker.Tito La Plata River is a critical source of <br /> genetically unaltered blueliead and flmnelmouth sucker. Critical habitat for federally Endangered <br /> Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker occurs at the La Plata-San Juan river confluence.These <br /> populations of fish,both local And distant,may be affected by any changes in water quality as a result of <br /> mining activity on the site.Compliance with existing state regulations regarding water quality standards, <br /> sediment runoff,bank stabilization,and chemical or waste water storage should be strictly enforced to <br /> ensure existing fish populations are adequately protected. <br /> The La Plata River on site and directly below (lie site sustains relatively low water flow during dry <br /> summer mouths or during periods of drought. This increases fish species sensitivity to sedimentation <br /> and contaminated runoff. Existing road ntainten�nce mud new road construction includilig temporary <br /> stream crossings will likely be a primary sediment source. Tito CROW recommends that (lie applicant <br /> design (lie project to minimize the total.number of stream crossings. Wilen it is necessmry to cross <br /> riparimn areas and streams: <br /> o Construct All stream and Associmted wetland crossings at right angles to niininniae disturbance <br /> o Control erosion and sedinienttttion front spoils and repair incised channels where excessive <br /> erosion And sedimentation in occurring. <br /> o Do not remove native riparian canopy or stream bank vegetation where possible; <br /> a Avoid temporary ford crossings and utilize bridge crossings; <br /> o Disinfect heavy equipment,hand tools,boots,,-"'(]any other equipment that was previously used in a <br /> river,stream,lake,pond,or twetlmnd prior to moving equipment to another water body to Avoid spreading <br /> aquatic nuisance species or other undesirable biota(fish pathogens or parasites). <br /> Thaill,you for(he opportunity to comment on this proposal. f f you have any question or require <br /> Additional information,please contact District Wildlife\Manager Trevor Balzer At(970)375-6756. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Pat(Dorsey <br /> Area Wildlife\Manager, Durango <br /> xc: Field Operations,Spezze,Area.file, DWNI <br />