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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> The Proposed Mining Threatens: <br /> Grape Creek proposed Wilderness.Grape Creek has been proposed for Wilderness via the Colorado <br /> Wilderness Act by Congresswoman DeGette since 1999 and passed the US House in February 2021 as part of <br /> a greater public lands package in the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act(PAW+). <br /> BLM's Grape Creek Wilderness Study Area.The Grape Creek Upper and Lower WSAs were designated in <br /> 1980 for their diverse terrain from rolling hills to rugged canyons and mountains to rich riparian zones along the <br /> creek,has cultural and historical significance,provides refuge for many local wildlife species and supports <br /> many backcountry recreational activities." <br /> BLM's Grape Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern.The Grape Creek ACEC is managed by BLM to <br /> protect a corridor of significant natural character with unique desert riparian resources,scenic and visual <br /> qualities,flora and fauna values(bighorn sheep and peregrine falcon nesting area). <br /> Threatens Area Wildlife.As noted in BLM's management of the Grape Creek ACEC,this perennial waterway <br /> and region has high habitat and range values for several wildlife species. In addition to Rocky Mountain bighorn <br /> sheep and American peregrine falcon,this area also provides refuge to bald eagle,wild turkey,black bear,elk, <br /> mule deer,white-tailed deer, pronghorn, mountain lion,and various species of bats,small mammals and birds. <br /> Also comment to prohibit operations during elk calving season and prohibit operations during severe winter <br /> habitat. <br /> Public Health.The proposed open pits and heavy,diesel-powered equipment at the Dawson Mine would cause <br /> degradation of air quality in the local area and downwind,including to nearby residents and recreationists. <br /> Public Safety.Zephyr has proposed that 20 trucks per day could be coming from their Dawson Mine site, using <br /> narrow and fragile public roads such as Temple Canyon Road,a popular Fremont County Road that provides <br /> access to the City of Canon City's Temple Canyon Park, hiking and camping spots,and access to Grape Creek. <br /> The Local Economy.The City of Canon City has built a local economy that now relies on tourism and outdoor <br /> recreation,which are propelled by local unspoiled natural resources and scenic views.Any economic benefit of <br /> a gold mine complex west of Canon City would be drastically offset by the damage done to the local economy <br /> and lost revenue from the mine impacts. <br /> Local Recreation. Many public trails were recently completed in this area in conjunction with Colorado Parks <br /> and Wildlife, BLM,and Fremont Adventure Recreation(FAR). Use on these trails would decrease and be <br /> negatively impacted due to the adverse impacts of a local mine.Additionally,Zephyr's plans for this area would <br /> impact other forms of primitive recreation, including fishing,hiking,mountain biking,camping, hunting,wildlife <br /> viewing, photography,and bouldering. <br /> Property Values.Any permits given to Zephyr to pursue their Dawson Mine proposal would adversely impact <br /> residential property values in the area. <br /> Visual&Noise Impacts. Expansion of Zephyr's Dawson Mine would degrade scenic values,which are a key <br /> component of the local,tourist-dependent economy.Similiarly industrial noise from the mining impacts would <br /> result in unacceptable noise pollution to local residents and recreationists. <br /> Permit Number* <br /> Enter valid letter and then numbers,for example M122112211 or C123456789. <br /> M2021046 <br /> Permitting Action Type <br /> Select revision type or leave blank if comment pertains to a new permit application or NOI <br /> Permit Type <br /> County <br /> Fremont <br /> Enter one county only <br /> Site Name <br /> Dawson <br /> Perm ittee/Operator Name <br /> Zephyr <br /> ADDITIONAL INFORMATION <br />