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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />serviceberry, and sagebrush. It was also agreed that winter use primarily by elk was a factor negatively affecting <br />shrub recruitment. <br />During the tour, the Mine and DWM Wangnild discussed the possibility of changing reclamation efforts in the new <br />permit area. Specific changes would ideally be focused on dramatically varying topsoil depths in an effort to <br />mimic natural depths and thus provide more suitable environments for woody species establishment. One example <br />of this would be to create some sites with extremely shallow topsoil designed at reducing grass stand establishment <br />and their resulting competition with shrubs for water and soil nutrients. Another example would be to create other <br />sites with extremely deep topsoil depths. These sites would ideally benefit woody species like aspen and <br />chokecherry. <br />Another idea discussed during the tour revolves around increasing naturally snow holing capability of the proposed <br />reclaimed sites. The Mine felt this would best be accomplished by increasing contours and topography dung <br />reclamation efforts. Ideally, this would provide pockets of greater snow depth thus increasing young shrub <br />protection from elk and deer in the fall, winter, and spring while, at the same time, increasing soil moisture. <br />The CDOW appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on this proposed permit expansion. The CDOW also <br />appreciates the efforts made by the Mine to include CDOW in the early planning stages of this proposed <br />expansion. The CDOW believes this early planning is the key to promoting good working relations between <br />private industry and the State related to wildlife protection. Please fell free to contact District Wildlife Manager <br />Jon Wangnild at 970-878-6067 should you or your staff have further questions regarding this comment letter. <br />Thank you! <br />Sincerely, <br />Ron Velarde <br />Northwest Regional Wildlife Manager <br />RV:.Iw <br />cc. Bill deVergie, Meeker Area Wildlife Manager <br />Jon Wangmld, Meeker North District Wildlife Manager <br />Brad Petch, Meeker Area Wildlife Conservation Biologist <br />Darby Finley, Meeker Area Terrestrial Biologist <br />John Bredehoft, Assistant Director -Field Operations <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-68 Revision Date: 11/27/18 <br />Revision No.: TR -129 <br />