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jceeCOLORADO <br /> Parks and Wildlife <br /> Department of Natural Resources <br /> Southeast Region - Area 14 <br /> 4255 Sinton Road <br /> Colorado Springs, CO 80907 <br /> P 719.227.5200 1 F 719.227,5264 <br /> Lincoln County Land Use <br /> 103 3rd Avenue <br /> Hugo, CO 80921 <br /> Re: Dougherty Gravel Pit Expansion <br /> Dear Mr. Lundy, <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the application for the Dougherty <br /> Pit gravel pit project that is approximately seven miles south of Karval. <br /> After discussing the proposed expansion with you, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) does not <br /> foresee significant impacts to wildlife, wildlife habitat, or aquatic resources. Also, the <br /> expansion of an existing gravel pit would have a significantly smaller impact as opposed to <br /> creating a new gravel pit entirely. The proposed area of development is characterized by <br /> short grass prairie. Native short grass prairies are highly valued for their ability to support <br /> obligate species. In Lincoln County, native short grass prairies are critical habitat for Swift <br /> Fox and Pronghorn. It would be very important that any disturbed soil in this area be <br /> replanted in native grasses as soon as possible to minimize loss of top soil and the <br /> introduction of invasive noxious weeds. We would recommend using NRCS seeding guidelines <br /> for reclamation of any ground disturbance. <br /> CPW would recommend identifying and avoiding all maternal swift fox den sites. Swift fox live <br /> here year-round, breed, during December, and raise their young into the next fall. Any <br /> disturbance or destruction of dens while pups are den dependent should be avoided. It is <br /> recommended that swift fox surveys include daylight searches for den areas and nighttime <br /> spotlight searches. CPW recommends no human encroachment, surface disturbance, or <br /> construction activity within 0.25-mile of an active den site from March 15 through <br /> June 15. Swift fox is a species of state and federal concern that lives in and around the <br /> proposed area. <br /> Also of importance of revegetation of disturbed soils and the control of noxious weed species <br /> through the development of a noxious weed management plan prior to initiating construction <br /> activities. The Colorado Weed Management Association provides the booklet "Noxious Weeds <br /> of Colorado" that provides information on identification and management of noxious weeds in <br /> Colorado. CPW prefers that native vegetation be retained on site during the operational <br /> lifespan of the project, both as habitat for wildlife and to ensure successful reclamation of <br /> the project area. Proper reclamation, from a wildlife perspective, involves not only <br /> stabilizing the soil and establishing ground cover, but also fostering plant communities with a <br /> OF COO <br /> 9 <br /> Dan Prenztow,Director,Colorado Parks and Wildlife•Parks and Wildlife Commission:Carrie Besnette Hauser,Chair•Charles Garcia,Vice-Chair <br /> Luke B Schafer,Secretary•Taishya Adams•Karen Bailey•Betsy Blecha•Marie Haskett• Dallas May•Duke Phillips,IV• James Jay Tutchton•Eden Vardy <br />