DRMS Comment Objection Intake 8/13/2021 8:47:28 AM

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Alternate Phone Number Used only to follow up. Alternate Phone Extension Connection to Operation Select all that apply Land Owner of affected land Structure Owner within 200' of affected land Mineral Owner Nearby Resident Adjacent Land Owner Concerned Citizen Government Agency Other DESCRIPTION OF COMMENT OR OBJECTION (Please be as specific as possible) Comment/Objection Narrative To add to my previous objection, here are more reasons for stopping development of mining in Grape Creek wilderness study area: 1. Grape Creek has been proposed for Wilderness via the Colorado Wilderness Act by Congresswoman DeGette since 1999 and passed the US House in February 2021 as part of a greater public lands package in the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act(PAW+). BLM's Grape Creek Wilderness Study Area.The Grape Creek Upper and Lower WSAs were designated in 1980 for their diverse terrain from rolling hills to rugged canyons and mountains to rich riparian zones along the creek, has cultural and historical significance, provides refuge for many local wildlife species and supports many backcountry recreational activities." 2. Critical environmental concerns are present with development of the area.The Grape Creek ACEC is managed by BLM to protect a corridor of significant natural character with unique desert riparian resources, scenic and visual qualities,flora and fauna values(bighorn sheep and peregrine falcon nesting area). 3.The mining development threatens area wildlife.As noted in BLM's management of the Grape Creek ACEC, this perennial waterway and region has high habitat and range values for several wildlife species. In addition to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and American peregrine falcon,this area also provides refuge to bald eagle, wild turkey, black bear,elk, mule deer,white-tailed deer, pronghorn, mountain lion,and various species of bats, small mammals and birds. 4.There are threats to public health.The proposed open pits and heavy,diesel-powered equipment at the Dawson Mine would cause degradation of air quality in the local area and downwind, including to nearby residents and recreationists. 5.There are threats to public safety.Zephyr has proposed that 20 trucks per day could be coming from their Dawson Mine site, using narrow and fragile public roads such as Temple Canyon Road,a popular Fremont County Road that provides access to the City of Canon City's Temple Canyon Park, hiking and camping spots, and access to Grape Creek. 6. Detrimental effects on our local economy.The City of Canon City has built a local economy that now relies on tourism and outdoor recreation,which are propelled by local unspoiled natural resources and scenic views.Any economic benefit of a gold mine complex west of Carson City would be drastically offset by the damage done to the local economy and lost revenue from the mine impacts. 6. Detrimental effects on local recreation. Many public trails were recently completed in this area in conjunction with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, BLM,and Fremont Adventure Recreation(FAR). Use on these trails would decrease and be negatively impacted due to the adverse impacts of a local mine.Additionally,Zephyr's plans for this area would impact other forms of primitive recreation, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting,wildlife viewing, photography,and bouldering. 7. Detrimental,effects on property Values.Any permits given to Zephyr to pursue their Dawson Mine proposal would adversely impact residential property values in the area. 8.Visual&Noise Impacts. Expansion of Zephyr's Dawson Mine would degrade scenic values,which are a key component of the local,tourist-dependent economy. Similarly industrial noise from the mining impacts would result in unacceptable noise pollution to local residents and recreationists. Pleasel stop development of mining in Grape Creek wilderness study area!