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C 0 L 0 R A D 0 �- 'arks and Wildlife TAll M Department of Natural Resources Area 2- Lon Hagler 4207 W CR16E Loveland, CO 80537 P 970.472.4460 F 970.472.4468 March 10, 2020 Mr. Eric Scott Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Colorado Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St. Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 Eric.Scott@state.co.us Re: The Shores-File No. M-1998-013, Bestway Concrete Company Amendment Application (AM-3). Dear Mr. Scott: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the amended application for The Shores gravel mining operation. The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality park 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. Our goal in responding to land use proposals such as this is to provide complete, consistent, and timely information to all entities who request comment on matters within our statutory authority. The amended application for The Shores gravel mining operation adds approximately 140 acres to the existing permitted mining area. The proposed site is located north and west of County Road 11 1/2 and County Road 26, more specifically in the southwest quarter of Section 36, Township 3 North, Range 68 West and in the northwest quarter of Section 1, Township 2 North, Range 68 West in the 6t" P.M, Weld County, State of Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has performed an assessment of the site for impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat. The proposed permitting area consists of croplands, irrigation ditches, sloughs, wetlands, and a riparian cottonwood corridor that lies adjacent to the St. Vrain River. Wetlands, sloughs, and cottonwood forest riparian corridors are considered high value habitats for many species of wildlife. The development plan suggests that the mining operation may have an impact on some of these habitats. CPW recommends that mining operations be setback 150 feet from the edges of these wetlands and sloughs as this will help reduce impacts to wetland dependent wildlife and their habitats. If any wetlands are to be mined or impacted, CPW suggests contacting the U.S. Army r ;{ Cc Dan Prenzlow,Director,Colorado Parks and Wildlife-Parks and Wildlife Commission:Michelle Zimmerman,Chair•Marvin McDaniel,Vice-Chair James Vigil,Secretary•Taishya Adams•Betsy Blecha•Robert W.Bray•Charles Garcia•Marie Haskett•Carrie Besnette Hauser•Luke B.Schafer•Eden Vardy a "`•'. `dam M@ ;