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mesic oak thicket community (Quercus gambehi-Cereocarpus montanus/Muhlenbergia <br /> montana). <br /> More than 100 species of birds have been documented on property adjacent to the proposed <br /> quarry site, and the stream corridors are also known to be important movement areas for wide- <br /> ranging mammals such as mountain lions, black bear, mule deer, and elk. The proposed mining <br /> plan does not appear to provide an adequate buffer to protect the use of intermittent stream <br /> corridors by these sensitive species. <br /> The Nature Conservancy holds a 99 year conservation lease with the SLB to manage Aiken <br /> Canyon Preserve for conservation values. This preserve is adjacent to the proposed lease area <br /> (just to the south), including the mine site. Potential mine activity impacts include noise, dust, <br /> and direct impacts to wildlife and plant communities. As such, it may impact our ability to <br /> conserve and manage the resources identified on Aiken Canyon Preserve in accordance with the <br /> terms of our lease. The conservation values at Aiken Canyon Preserve are the same as listed <br /> above on the proposed mining site and are the basis of our 99 year conservation lease. <br /> We also have some concerns that Transit Mix Concrete's proposed restoration plans may not be <br /> sufficient to protect and reclaim the existing plant communities and conservation values on the <br /> property. <br /> Some of the conservation values present on Aiken Canyon Preserve and the proposed mine site <br /> are considered irreplaceable by The Nature Conservancy and the Colorado Natural Heritage <br /> Program. They therefore merit the highest standards of inventory and protection. Impacts to <br /> these conservation values should be avoided. Impacts to other values may be minimized to an <br /> acceptable level through the implementation of best management practices. The Nature <br /> Conservancy is interested in engaging with the CDMRS and the mine applicant to share <br /> information, recommend ways to avoid impacting the conservation values, and inform best <br /> practices. <br /> Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions about the above information or to arrange <br /> additional dialogue. I can be reached at ejessu a,tnc.org or 720-974-7070. <br /> Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> l <br /> Edyn Yessup` <br /> Land Assets Manager <br />