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6SGM <br /> IHC Scott's Rifle Pit #1 — Informal USFWS Consultation <br /> TO: Glenn Hartmann, Principal Planner <br /> Planning Division —Community Development <br /> Garfield County <br /> FROM: Alexander Nees <br /> Senior Ecologist <br /> DATE: December 1, 2022 <br /> SUBJECT: NTC Item 3a: Documentation of informal consultation with USFWS regarding <br /> impacts to Endangered Colorado River fish associated with gravel pit construction <br /> Dear Glenn: <br /> I have completed consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding any concerns <br /> that the USFWS may have regarding the construction of the Rifle Pit#1 in proximity to occupied habitat <br /> for federally-listed species protected under the Endangered Species Act(ESA). I completed this <br /> consultation in response to the Staff Recommendations developed following the Planning Commission <br /> meeting of September 28, 2022. <br /> As your office is aware, the project does not have a federal nexus (e.g. a federally-issued permit or other <br /> federal regulatory authority). Therefore the consultation was undertaken on an informal basis, rather <br /> than through a formal ESA Section 7 or Section 10 consultation process. Project descriptions and maps <br /> were provided to the USFWS Ecological Services office in Grand Junction, Colorado, along with a <br /> request for their assessment of the project's potential to impact ESA-listed species, and management <br /> recommendations if any. <br /> I corresponded directly with Kurt Broderdorp— USFWS, who also consulted with other staff in the office. <br /> Email communication and project descriptions were provided on October 25 and 31. Consultation <br /> occurred on November 7, resulting in a preliminary determination of"no concerns", and final <br /> confirmation of"No concerns or additional management recommendations"was provided on November <br /> 21. <br /> In summary: Although IHC Scott has no intention of managing the gravel pond as a recreational facility <br /> or allowing sportfishing, concerns had been expressed that sport fish (particularly smallmouth bass and <br /> tiger muskie) might be introduced accidentally into the gravel pit pond, establish a permanent <br /> G L E tVN O 0 F) S P P I t,4 G> 118 West Sixth St, Suite 200 1 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 1 970.945.1004 <br />