2024-12-19_PERMIT FILE - M2024059 ‎(6)‎

• Permit No: M2024059
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/19/2024
• Doc Name: Application
• From: Western Slope Materials
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: TJ1
• Email Name: THM
• Email Name: EL1
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

as well as submerged slopes will all be designed to establish a variety of habitat types to
meet requirements of a diverse array of wildlife species. This will include creation of
fisheries, including deepwater habitats, as well as perennial wetland vegetation
communities,both emergent and wet-meadow types. It is anticipated that mitigation will
include planting of a broad selection of wetland and upland species to maximize the
productivity and diversity of habitats on the Property. A comprehensive mitigation plan
will be developed as part of the permitting process.
Creation of the lake will result in increased diversity by adding deep water habitat,
fisheries which currently do not exist, and a great deal of"edge",which is how biologists
define the convergence of two or more habitat types. Edges tend to be very attractive to a
great many wildlife species,providing food and cover in close proximity. As a result,
habitat edges support an enormous diversity of wildlife species, which will increase the
value of the Property as a wildlife area and provide a number of recreational
opportunities for people.
Finally,there will be a 100-foot buffer along the river itself, which will protect many of
the existing cottonwoods on the site as well as the riparian-wetlands along the river bank.
Potential effects and opportunities posed by the project for the key species identified in
Section 5 are discussed below.
Mule Deer: Since mule deer make little use of the Property,the gravel pit operations are
unlikely to have any detrimental effects to this species, nor will creation of the lake be
likely to enhance habitat for them. Mitigation measures that increase the shrub and tree
component of the vegetative community and create additional cover and feed resources
(which would be available above snowpack in severe winters)would be of great benefit
to mule deer, and removal of the invasive Russian olive trees would also be beneficial.
Bald Eagle: The loss of tall snags and mature tree species on the Property would
negatively affect the site's suitability for nesting and roosting. However, many of the
existing mature trees fall within the 100-foot buffer strip along the river and will remain
intact. Available habitat for key prey species on which eagles depend is currently limited
on the Property. The mining operation has the potential to create a great deal of habitat
for prey species, particularly for fish and waterfowl, which would provide an increased
prey base for eagles. Further, mitigation measures such as tree planting or establishment
of artificial nest structures could also improve suitability of the Property for Bald eagles.
Such measures could provide a significant benefit relatively quickly, especially for the
migratory population of Bald eagles that winter along the Colorado River.
Great Blue Heron: A healthy population of Great blue herons are present throughout the
valley though no nesting colonies occur on the Property. The loss of mature trees would
decrease the potential for nesting colonies to establish on the Property,though many of
the existing mature trees will remain within the 100-foot buffer along the river. The
grassy flood-irrigated fields, low swales,the Bernudy Ditch itself and river shoreline do
provide some adequate foraging habitat for the birds.
8