2022-05-10_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1993041

Home Browse Search

Dowe Flats Special Use Permit Amendment Application May 2, 2022 property in relation to other open space land, the site could effectively function as a corridor that expands and connects habitats existing on nearby properties. If an extended mining term is approved, CEMEX, Inc. is willing to commit to work with the County to enhance the existing approved reclamation plan. When mining is completed, the land could be reclaimed in a manner that better incorporates diversity of topography and vegetative structure with rock outcrops, depressions, shrub/forb islands, and wooded areas along with the open grassland areas in order to provide habitat for a greater variety of raptor prey, including lagomorphs, rodents, reptiles, and other birds. Predators, such as bobcats and foxes, could find food and shelter, and the deer and elk that already inhabit land around this site, would benefit from an enhanced habitat with expanded shelter opportunities. In addition, shrub/forb islands could also be planted with pollinator-friendly vegetation to enhance insect populations. A more diverse wetland habitat with a variety of sedges, rush, forbs, and shrubs interspersed with open water could also be incorporated into the design to provide habitat for all the species mentioned as well as a variety of waterfowl and amphibians. The more diverse wetland would also provide additional pollinator habitat. These enhancements would also result in the site being reclaimed with established, healthy vegetation much sooner because existing landforms on the site that have already been reseeded and contain very well-established, healthy vegetation could be preserved. This would allow this vegetation to continue to mature and thrive. Additionally, the Wildlife Habitat Council(WHC) and Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center have expressed interest in partnering with the County to use the Dowe Flats site to help wildlife and educate the public, especially if the site is reclaimed in a manner that fosters habitat for a broader range of wildlife. The WHC has Wildlife at Work programs for local schools that integrate wildlife habitat and ecosystem improvements, and the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center works to provide homes for displaced and injured wildlife. The Dowe Flats property is centrally located between several other BCPOS properties, making it well suited to incorporate public trails that could connect the open space land. Reclaiming the Dowe Flats property to incorporate more topographic and vegetative diversity would also potentially create a much more interesting environment for the County to build hiking and biking trails that would tie the Rabbit Mountain trail system to other trails in Boulder County. 3. The use will be in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. The request to amend the SUP to allow Dowe Flats to continue to mine for another 15 years would be in accordance with several of the Goals and Policies found in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. Below is a listing of each applicable Goal and Policy followed by an explanation, in italics, of how continued mining at Dowe Flats will help the County achieve each one of them. Economics Goal 2. Steward. Boulder County stewards its economy through sound regulations and collaboration. EC 2.05 Public/Private Cooperation. Boulder County encourages public/private cooperation in addressing the county's economic goals and objectives. EC 2.06 Support for Local Assets. Boulder County encourages and supports programs, economic activity, and appropriately scaled development that enhances the county's local assets, including its rural and natural landscapes and resources, agricultural economy, open space, arts, cultural and historic resources, and its tourism and recreation industries. The county supports this activity in a manner consistent with the Guiding Principles of the Comprehensive Plan. Review Criteria Statement- Page 3 O TETRA TECH