2018-05-30_PERMIT FILE - M2018028

Home Browse Search

State of Colorado as to the possible need for a NPDES discharge permit. All equipment used in this proposed operation should be clean on initial arrival, and if it leaves the site cleaned before reuse to minimize the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Cumulative Impacts: Recent rise in gold prices and interest in both recreational mineral specimen collection and mining activity under the Mining Law has increased on the Arkansas River creating additional disturbances to obligate riparian wildlife species and stream-banks. Activities proposed here are cumulative to those other disturbances and activities, such as fishing,park development and rafting activities, and the other activities along the Arkansas River corridor. No Action Alternative Direct and Indirect Impacts: Current mining taking place under the approved Plan of Operations with associated impacts,will continue, irrespective of the proposed modification approval. Protective/Mitigation Measures:None Finding on the Public Land Health Standard for Plant and Animal Communities: This is a small and localized action,but the life of the project is proposed through the year 2025. There would be no impact at a reasonable scale evaluation from this action,but reclamation as discussed in the Poo would be important to sustain the overall health of the Arkansas River fisheries because over the life of this proposed operation modification many other perturbations to the river will occur. 3.3.6 WILDLIFE TERRESTRIAL (includes a finding on standard 3) Affected Environment: The habitat present consists of pinon juniper/shrub mix. This habitat type is the most prevalent in the resource area. While the number of terrestrial species that occupy this habitat is great, the analysis focuses on mega-fauna that have the potential to be impacted the greatest by the proposed action. Mule deer populations for this area are currently below Colorado Parks and Wildlife objectives. Being a successional species, deer rely on pre-climax habitat conditions.As the trend since the early 1900s has been towards more stability and approaching climax vegetative conditions,the ability of the habitat to support deer has declined.The primary causes of this trend in habitat conditions are thought to result from the elimination of wildfire from the forests, the encroachment of forest cover in formerly open grassland and shrubland habitats, and the improved soil and range management that has resulted in more stable grasslands. All these factors are to the detriment of the forb and shrub components,which are important parts of the deer diet. The Merriam's turkey is a fairly common resident in foothills and mesas of southern Colorado. The Merriam's turkey is common in the assessment area in suitable habitat. Merriam's are found primarily in ponderosa pine forests with an understory of Gambel's oak. Tall pines are used during all seasons for roosting. In the assessment area it is often found in foothill shrublands (mountain mahogany) and piiion juniper woodlands.