2018-06-06_PERMIT FILE - M2018019

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C O L O R A D O RECEIVED Y Parks and Wildlife �U�d n 1p Department of Natural Resources J Z0 18 Lamar Service Center DIVISION OF RECLAMATION 2500 South Main Street MINING AND SAFETY Lamar, CO 81052 P 719.336.6600 1 F 719.336.6623 May 30,2018 Michael A.Cunningham Division of Reclamation,Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman St.Rm 215 Denver,CO 80203 Re:Arnold Gravel Pit,M-2018-019 Dear Mr.Cunningham, Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the proposed Arnold Gravel Pit project in Las Animas County,located at SE4 of NW4 of Township 28S Range 52W Section 28.This letter is in response to your request for comments on May 9,2018. One of our goals at Colorado Parks and Wildlife(CPW)is to provide complete and timely information to all entities who request comment on matters within our statutory authority and our mission,which is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state,to provide a quality state parks system,and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. The proposed site consists of rangeland,and although wildlife was not seen during a site visit conducted by District Wildlife Manager Natalie Renneker,it is expected that a variety of small and large mammals, turkey,reptiles,song birds,and raptor species would utilize this area regularly.Currently,CPW policy directs our efforts towards proposals that potentially have high impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat, with an emphasis on large acreages,critical habitats,wildlife diversity,and effects to species of special concern.Due to the small acreage and high availability of undisturbed habitat adjacent to the proposed site,impacts of the development may be characterized as minimal. In regards to the reclamation plan,CPW recommends utilizing a phased approach when possible,as opposed to delaying all reclamation efforts until the end of the excavation period.CPW also recommends consulting with Natural Resource Conservation Services(MRCS)about appropriate seed mixes to use for reclamation efforts. CPW appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project.If you have any questions,please contact DWM Natalie Renneker at 719.980.0025. Sincerely, Travis Black Area 12 Wildlife Manager Cc:Dan Prenzlow, Southeast Region Manager O-V Colo .A;•� Bob D.Broscheid,Director,Colorado Parks and W ldtife•Parks and Wildlife Commission Robert W.Bray•Mane Haskett•Caine Besnette Hauser John Howard,Chao•Marvin McDamel•Dale Pizel•Jim Spehar•James Vigil,Secretary•Dean Wingfield• Michette Zimmerman,Vice-Chair•Alex Zipp , .�876 s"