2020-03-12_PERMIT FILE - M2020007 (2)

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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 121", 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: Ragsdale Reservoirs, File no. M-2020-007 Dear Mr. Scott: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Ragsdale Reservoirs gravel mining project. 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 Ragsdale Reservoir project proposes a permitting area of 643 acres located west of Hwy 85 along the South Platte River and east of Hwy 85, more specifically parts of Sections 7, 8, 17, 18, and 19 of Township 2 North, Range 67 West, of the 6t" P.M., of Weld County, Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has performed an assessment of potential impact the project may have on wildlife or wildlife habitat. The project site consists of cropland, ditches, wetlands/sloughs, and a cottonwood forest areas along the South Platte River. There is an active bald eagle nest on an adjacent property north of the proposed mine on the portion that lies between the South Plate River and Hwy 85. The nest is located a few hundred yards north of the mining boundary. Observations of this nest were made on March 12 in which there was an adult bald eagle sitting on the nest. CPW recommends that no surface occupancy occurs within 1/4 mile of the nest location and from October 15t" through July 31 st there should be no human encroachment within 1/2 mile of the nest. The applicant should consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on how to proceed to minimize disturbance to the bald eagle nest. r ;{ Cc Dan Prenzlow,Director,Colorado Parks and Wildlife-Parks and Wildlife Commission:Michelle Zimmerman,Chair•Marvin McDaniel,Vice-Chair I C 1. ems` 0'' James Vigil,Secretary 9 Taishya Adams•Betsy Blecha 9 Robert W.Bray•Charles Garcia 9 Marie Haskett•Carrie Besnette Hauser 9 Luke B.Schafer 9 Eden Vardy