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the Arkansas River or in the riparian corridor itself This component would create a sufficient <br />buffer zone for the majority of the wildlife species within the riparian corridor. With the proper <br />erosion protection the proposed mining plan will most likely have a minimal effect on the <br />riparian area of the Arkansas River. <br />The upland short grass prairie that encompasses the majority of the area proposed for <br />development is typical of much of south eastern Pueblo County. Concerns are raised when <br />projects are located in areas such as this with regard to the presence of several species of special <br />concern. Often Black -tailed Prairie Dog colonies are typical in these habitats and serve to invite <br />the occurrence of migratory burrowing owls as well as swift fox which are considered species of <br />concern. At the time the site visit was conducted there was no evidence of an active prairie dog <br />colony. However, a more thorough evaluation of the property is warranted prior to the initiation <br />of mining activities to ensure that these species do not occur on the property. <br />The NRCS should be consulted with and will be able to provide a reclamation plan for the <br />reclamation of the mentioned released 5.69 Acres to be reclaimed. CPW would recommend <br />adding some shrubs and forbs to add to the seed mix which is crucial to the browsing needs of <br />the big game species in the area. Weed control efforts, which are shown in the NRCS reclaiming <br />Disturbed Sites Noxious weed control, should take place in all parts of the property, throughout <br />the working life of the Big "G" Gravel Pit. Non-native vegetation, such as Russian knapweed, <br />easily becomes established in disturbed areas and roadways and can be detrimental to other more <br />wildlife friendly native vegetation. Non-native vegetation easily becomes established on <br />neighboring private and public properties, and often proves time and cost intensive to control if <br />establishment is not consistently addressed. The CPW therefore, recommends that control of <br />non-native vegetation occur regularly on all parts of the Big "G" Gravel Pit especially along <br />roadways and in disturbed areas. <br />CPW appreciates the opportunity to comment on this and other proposed permits occurring in <br />Pueblo County. Please call Colorado Parks and Wildlife Pueblo Service Center at (719) 561- <br />5300 if you have any questions. <br />Sid erely, C 1 <br />`Michael Trujillo <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />Colorado Parks and Wildlife <br />cc: Daniel J and Barbara J. Gaudreault, Owners <br />Joseph V Gagliano, Gagliano Engineering INC, <br />Danny Lewis, DWM Colorado Parks and Wildlife <br />