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COLORADO <br /> Parks and Wildlife RECEIVED <br /> " Department of Natural Resources <br /> Northwest Region Office OCT 152020 <br /> 711 Independent Avenue <br /> Grand Junction, CO 81505 DIVISION OF RECLAMATION <br /> P 970.255.6100 1 F 970.25.6111 MINING AND SAFETY <br /> Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 10/07/2020 <br /> Attention: Ms. Amy Yeldell <br /> 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 <br /> Denver, CO 80203 <br /> Dear Ms. Yeldell. <br /> Thanks for opening up the 23.25 Road permit application (M 2020035) so I could access it. I <br /> have looked at the area from 23.25 Road. The habitat in its current state is a dry upland <br /> site. Cottonwood trees are perhaps the most significant wildlife habitat feature. A grove of <br /> trees is located in the southwest portion of the property near 39.09205, -108.62454. Three <br /> mature cottonwoods, one with a large raptor nest, occur near 39.09247, -108.62252. A group <br /> of young cottonwoods occur along 23.25 road near 39.09185, -108.62228. All of these treed <br /> areas were heavily utilized by mourning doves when I visited the site this week. The parcel <br /> also contains a very large grove of elm trees that surround the existing structures of the <br /> site. Although not native, the elm trees do provide foraging and nesting habitat for a variety <br /> of songbirds. <br /> Protection of the existing cottonwood trees on site would limit the impact of this mining <br /> operation on wildlife. Especially important would be saving the grove of trees in the <br /> southwest corner and the group of trees containing the raptor nest. A ground survey of <br /> wildlife utilizing the property prior to a final decision on the proposal is recommended to <br /> identify the species of raptors utilizing the site and the status of the nest. This is especially <br /> important, as the property is within occupied range of the bald eagle. There are a number of <br /> local consultants that could do that work. Colorado Parks It Wildlife has recommended <br /> guidelines on raptor nest buffer zones and seasonal timing restrictions that I can provide. <br /> The mining plan will incorporate dewatering, with groundwater being routed to the Colorado <br /> River via the Wilsea Drain. The CPW is concerned about the proliferation of non-native fishes <br /> in ponds near the Colorado River, and the potential for those fish to enter the river to the <br /> detriment of native species. We recommend screening of discharge structures to prevent <br /> movement of non-native fish to the river. <br /> The reclamation plan would benefit greatly from incorporation of trees, shrubs, forbs, and <br /> native grasses into the revegetation mix. Cottonwood, skunkbush sumac, and 4-wing saltbush <br /> would be desirable trees and shrubs that are adapted to the site. Cicer milkvetch is a <br /> recommended forb. Inland salt grass, Indian ricegrass and needle-and-thread grass would do <br /> well at this location. Cottonwood trees on site should be inventoried, and any trees removed <br /> during the mining process should be replaced upon completion of mining activities. <br /> Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this project in further depth. <br /> Dan Prenzlow,Director,Colorado Parks and W4ldhfe•Parks and Wildlife Commission:Marvin MCDanlet,Chair.Carne Besnette Hauser,Vice-Chair ye �� <br /> Marie Haskett,Secretary•Taishya Adams•Betsy Blecha•Charles Garcia•Dallas May•Duke Philhps,IV•Luke B.Schafer•Jay Tutchton•Eden Vardy <br />