Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Connor Drinkard <br /> RE: Carr Pit East M-2022-005 <br /> June 27, 2022 <br /> The temporary mining and reclamation disturbances will take place offset from the Lone <br /> Tree Creek drainage the top of bank and will not impact the Lone Tree Creek channel or <br /> associated wetlands. Where the mining and reclamation disturbances are anticipated to <br /> occur, suitable habitat for the noted SGCN does not exist. <br /> Many birds may use habitats similar to those found at the proposed project area, either year- <br /> round, seasonally for nesting, or temporarily for roosting during migration. Some of the <br /> common or abundant species could include robins, orioles, starlings, swallows, magpies, <br /> wrens, longspurs, lark bunting, doves, kingbirds, and blackbirds. Because of the lack of open <br /> water habitat within and near the proposed permit area, shore birds and waterfowl are not <br /> likely to be present. <br /> It could be expected that most mammals common or abundant in Weld County would not be <br /> found near or within the proposed permit area. Lack of appropriate habitat including <br /> suitable forage (including agricultural crops), trees and shrubs for browsing and shelter, <br /> open water, and availability of prey species likely limit or eliminate species from the <br /> proposed project area that may occur in other areas of Weld County. Smaller mammals that <br /> might be found at the proposed project site might include mice, voles, gophers, rabbits, <br /> raccoons, and skunks in limited populations. Some of the larger mammals could include <br /> both mule and white-tailed deer, antelope, coyote, and fox. These species may use the <br /> proposed project area as part of their overall range, but would not likely be year-round or <br /> seasonal dependent on the site due to the lack of suitable forage, available shelter, and <br /> lack of prey species. CPW has stated that the proposed project area could provide a winter <br /> concentration area for deer and pronghorn antelope. Although pronghorn antelope are <br /> commonly seen in the project area, often grazing on reseeded reclamation areas of the <br /> Carr Pit (M-2014-001), a substantial population of deer are not known to occur in the <br /> area. Additionally, significant seasonal increases in population of either species has not <br /> been observed in undisturbed or otherwise reclaimed areas near the project site. The Carr <br /> Pit (M-2014-001) and proposed Carr Pit East site are also temporary disturbances within <br /> the Lone Tree Creek watershed and impacts following final reclamation are expected to be <br /> minimal. <br /> The mining and reclamation activities may disturb some of the wildlife within the proposed <br /> permit area and adjacent area. However, the activities will be confined to specific areas and <br /> total disturbance at one time will be limited. Impacts to wildlife following reclamation will <br /> be minimal. <br /> After removal of the gravels and the creation of a basin within the mine pit, wildlife habitat <br /> could be better on the bottom of the pit where vegetation growth may be more abundant. <br /> Grading of the mine pit into the Lone Tree Creek drainage may also improve the creek's <br /> connection with the surrounding flood area, potentially creating better vegetation growth <br /> conditions and an increase in wildlife utilization. However, water availability will still be <br /> limiting. The Lone Tree Creek drainage will likely still be the primary wildlife habitat in the <br /> area. <br /> t b U e e o Ir I h Page 10 of 12 <br />