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Rifle Gravel Pit#1 August 2021 <br /> 9.4 Effects to Wildlife <br /> Mining will remove vegetation in phases allowing incidental use of the site by wildlife, if <br /> needed. Wildlife will likely avoid the parcel entirely once mining development commences, <br /> and the existing level of casual use will be displaced to adjacent unimpacted habitats along <br /> the southern bank of the Colorado River. It is expected that the itinerant species will <br /> continue to utilize surrounding habitats given the small area of the mine. After reclamation, <br /> the property will be converted back to irrigated pasture. However, the existing mosaic of <br /> meadows and riparian woodland will not be recovered, and the property will support a much <br /> less complex environment dominated by agricultural cultivars. This could continue to provide <br /> winter grazing habitat for elk and mule deer, although the habitat quality would be low due to <br /> a lack of woody cover vegetation. Wild Turkey would likely abandon the parcel. Bald eagle <br /> foraging is concentrated along the Colorado River and would be minimally impacted by the <br /> proposed development. Most small mammal and passerine bird species will be able to <br /> resume use of the area once reclamation is complete; the longest-term potential habitat <br /> detractor will be persistence by noxious weeds. <br /> Scott Contracting, Inc. will leave the construction perimeter berm in place along the east, <br /> north, and western portions of the property for the reclaimed condition. Note the height of <br /> the berm may change to achieve a balance for prohibiting fish passage on/off the property <br /> and safe wildlife access. Exhibit E1, Figure 15 and Exhibit E2, Figure 16 depict the mining <br /> plan and berm. <br /> 9.5 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Consultation <br /> Scott Contracting, Inc.'s Reclamation Plan shows a Typical Detail for the pond with a <br /> maximum 3:1 slope for the submerged portions of the pond (based upon the estimated <br /> groundwater levels). Scott Contracting, Inc. will leave the construction perimeter berm in <br /> place along the east, north, and western portions of the mined areas for the reclaimed <br /> condition. Note the height of the berm may change to achieve a balance for prohibiting fish <br /> passage on/off the property and safe wildlife access. See Exhibit E1, Figure 15. <br /> 50 <br />