2018-11-30_REVISION - M2008076 (7)

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Consider attempts to avoid disturbance/destruction of browse species such as mountain mahogany, Gambel oak to minimize impacts on wintering deer and elk(particularly in severe winter situations) and fall mast production for bear and turkey. Reclamation with DOW prescribed seed mixtures can have a positive impact on wildlife such as oats for turkey and bear etc. as well as reducing the sediment load into the Wet Canyon riparian zone and thus the Purgatoire River. Caution should be exercised to avoid human/bear conflicts by minimizing human refuse and food availability. Educate owners, workers and contractors on bear and mountain lion behavior and how to avoid conflicts. Some additional `wildlife friendly' recommendations may include: • Fence livestock out of newly reclaimed areas until reclamation becomes established. Fence construction should follow CDOW fencing guidelines and be durable to avoid wildlife entrapment. Once fences are no longer needed removing fencing material and dispose of properly. • Prior to ground disturbing activities, determine locations of raptor nests,ground nesting birds and consult with CDOW on timing and buffer zones • Conserve soil horizons and segregate topsoil from subsoil. Re-vegetate topsoil piles to maintain soil microbe health and viability. • Engineer and construct roads to meet or exceed minimum standards for type of vehicle traffic expected. Engineer roads such that they drain water off of the road bed as well as away from wetlands and riparian areas. • Design and install culverts to ensure adequate size for coursing water. Protect inlets and install energy dissipation structures at outlets to protect drainages from erosion and sedimentation. • Provide three acres of reclamation for every one acre of surface disturbance to mitigate wildlife impacts. • Make every effort to aggressively control noxious and invasive weed species. Consult county and State of Colorado guidelines for weed identification and control. Map weed accumulations prior to ground disturbance to optimize weed mitigation. • Protect wetlands, drainages, and riparian areas from erosion,sedimentation and spills. Map wetlands prior to development to identify and properly permit these sensitive areas. Consider wetland banking if feasible. NOTE: The map provided does not adequately illustrate whether there will be direct impact in the riparian zone. • Restrict and monitor vehicular speed to reduce wildlife collision potential, increase safety, and minimize dust generation. • Develop site specific reclamation plans and consult with CDOW on seed mixes,apply seed most effectively during the late fall and early winter. Assess reclamation success at least annually through photo documentation, vegetation plots,documentation of invasive weeds and erosion. Evaluate reclamation in different areas that represent different elevations, vegetative communities, slope aspects,water proximity. • Construct livestock grazing management plans and assess stocking rates annually. Improve grazing efficiency through water improvements, vegetative treatments,weed control, habitat enhancements, etc. • Control or avoid pets on site and report feral animals to Division of Wildlife Officers to prevent wildlife harassment.