2019-04-26_PERMIT FILE - M2019018 (2)

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To: 'DRMS Den Page 4 of 10 2019-04-26 17.31:38(GMT) 13032008630 From: Ben Langenfeld LC LORADO � i. Parks and Wildlife �),.r�.�r:.r•�r�r c-f rd:;t.a;xal R �c:�Tces Montrose Service Center 2300 S. Townsend Avenue Montrose, CO 81401 P 970.252.6000 i F 970.252.6053 Mr. Ben Langenfeld, PE Greg Lewicki and Associates 3375 W Powers Circle Littleton, CO 80123 RE: Graff Pit 2 Dear Mr. Langenfeld, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Graff Pit 2. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has reviewed your transmittal email dated December 10, 2018 and the provided materials (Map C-2 Mining Plan and F-1 Reclamation Plan)attached to the email. We assume that you will be applying to both Delta County and the Division of Mine, Reclamation and Safety for a gravel and land-use permits. The proposed pit is roughly 160 acres of mining on what are currently corn and hayfields. The site is situated south and west of the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers. Mining will take place below the water table, so dewatering is anticipated to be required during the mining process. The provided plans indicate that the current farmlands would split into two pits and mining would begin in the southwest end of the property and mine north. The project plans do not indicate the anticipated duration of the project, seasons and hours of operations, noise levels, and/or trucking routes, which would be valuable in anticipating the potential wildlife impacts and options to minimize or mitigate them. Terrestrial Habitats Riparian communities have the highest species richness of all habitat types in Colorado, particularly for avian species. A broad diversity of avian species use riparian communities for the nesting component of their life history, making these systems a critical habitat type. Wetlands and riparian areas also provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including small mammals, otters, beavers, coyotes, raptors, and songbirds and often serve as migratory corridors for seasonal movements of wildlife. Intact and functioning riparian areas and wetlands are widely recognized for their ability to perform a variety of critical ecological functions. These functions include stabilizing stream channels; providing erosion control by regulating sediment storage, transport, and distribution; providing organic matter (e.g., leaves and large woody debris) that is critical for aquatic organisms; serving as nutrient sinks for the surrounding watershed; providing water temperature control through shading; reducing flood peaks; and serving as key recharge points for renewing groundwater supplies (DeBano and Schmidt 1989; O'Laughlin and Belt 1995). On December 11, 2018, CPW staff visited the proposed site and spoke with the landowners about the wildlife use they have observed cn their property. No large raptor nests or great blue heron colonies were located in the trees along either river. Discussions with Mr. Langenfeld and CPW staff on December 21, 2018 indicated that no disturbance to the cottonwood galleries would occur and that all mining activities would be confined to present farmed lands. Mr. Langenfeld also mentioned a plan to increase cottonwood planning on the east side of the property and CPW supports this project. Uot D.Br(m is N.re t u,CrazsaM Pa«a d 4i'Aire*Pa,ts ao d W'1:4+fr(&n,,iiss n 10"ert W.Cray.k4_sherry @irkett•Ghar c 3 ra.Mi3rie Nas4cett ( ' ?�' yr' Carrie f3esret:e ria.se.•Jo`r^I k+nrsrd,CF3ir.Mar,!n NtiDa riet•Getictrr Pea,�.cr Jc^r ram.P.,Ke?ayt+x..taire�Yid„Setretary•Nic ci.e�mncrma;t,V[ceLraL• Ef , ,, rein:'