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There are not any wetlands to be disturbed by this permit. <br /> 1) Willow wetlands along both banks of the river. These wetlands are 30 feet wide x 60 feet long. <br /> These wetlands will not be disturbed, since no bridge will be built across the river. This is an area of <br /> 0.08 acres. <br /> 2)The depression in the permit area has wetlands at the bottom due to the level being very close to <br /> the level of the river. This area consists of some sedges, willows and young cottonwoods which <br /> have water rights associated with them. As shown on Map B-1. No wetlands will be disturbed by <br /> the operation. <br /> 8.Wildlife <br /> As shown on Map Exhibit B-1, the site is located in the first terrace above the North Fork of the <br /> Gunnison River. The primary wildlife of concern are eagles and fish in the river itself. The North <br /> Fork of the Gunnison River at this location is not habitat for threatened or endangered fish. <br /> According to the area fish habitat biologist for the CDOW,the river levels get too low in the late <br /> summer and fall which raises the water temperature making the area poor habitat for trout and other <br /> desirable fish. Dan Kowalski, fish biologist with the CDOW,recommended that the final lake not <br /> be connected to the river, since it would allow undesirable fish such as northern pike to breed in the <br /> lake more than desirables such as native trout. This recommendation will be followed. <br /> Elk and deer also use the site. Other small mammals and birds exist which will continue to use the <br /> site after reclamation. Since most of the site has been previously disturbed and since the operation <br /> will avoid the large cottonwood grove south of the operation,no significant impact on wildlife is <br /> expected. By reclaiming the barren field to a combination of dry rangeland grass above the lake and <br /> wetland shelves,the site may attract more wildlife after reclamation, particularly waterfowl. <br /> In October of 2001,the District Wildlife Manager,Kirk Madariaga met with the landowner to visit <br /> the area for the new gravel extraction. The letter from Madariaga describing the minimal impacts of <br /> the proposed operation is enclosed in this section. <br /> Upon further analysis it has been determined that a bridge will not be constructed across the river <br /> as previously indicated. This will decrease environmental impacts. No trout migrations or other <br /> issues with native fish should arise from this solution to the river crossing. <br /> 11 <br /> North Fork Pit March 04 <br />