2020-09-15_PERMIT FILE - M2020041

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Tom and Sally Kaesemeyer 363 Garfield Street Denver, CO 80206 RECEIVED September 9, 2020 SEP 152020 Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman Street DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING AND SAFETY Denver, CO 80203 RE: Application by Peak Ranch Resource (File No. M2020041) To Whom it May Concern: I am writing a letter of Objection to the application by Peak Materials to establish a gravel mining operation at the site designated as Peak Ranch Resource. It would enable the firm to mine gravel for 15 years. We and our Pebble Creek Homeowners Association (19 homes and 38 residents) are convinced that the application should be rejected. The proposed, additional mining activity violates the principles of Summit County's Lower Blue Master Plan which deems any industrial activity antithetical to the natural, and economic values of the valley, and its sustainability. The Lower Blue Valley has Federal Wilderness lands on both sides of Route 9; it includes thousands of acres of County protected Open Space plus 1000's of acres of working ranches protected from developers by in -perpetuity conservation easements. Residents in the valley actively volunteer in County and individual efforts to eradicate noxious weeds, remove dead Pine Beetle infested trees, monitor trails and remove roadside trash. Pebble Creek Ranch residents are good stewards of their water and forest inheritance. It is the first "Firewise" community in Summit County recognized by The National Fire Protection Association in 2016. Sally and I have had our house at Pebble Creek Ranch since 1991. We believe that Peak's mining plan will adversely impact wildlife, air and water quality and exacerbate the growing problem of overuse of state lands by the public. The 230 one-way gravel truck trips a -day for 8 months a year back and forth to Maryland Creek present a safety (and noise) hazard for motorists, bikers, hikers and wildlife. Even without the additional traffic from the mining proposal, Route 9 is already congested year-round. I wish to be heard at the public hearing of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board when it takes up this application. Please add us to your e-mail distribution list, notifying interested parties of the date, time and location for this meeting.