PERMFILE41972

• Permit No: M1990098
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Name: CASE NUMBER USR-921
• From: DOW
• To: DEPT OF PLANNING SERVICES WELD COUNTY
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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It is important to consider the impact that a development will have on the integrity
of the narrow riparian cone along plains rivers. Many of the wildlife species found
along the river are known to travel great distances during the year. Studies done
by the Division of Wi],dlife have shown movements of xhite-tail and mule deer of well
over 50 miles. 41i1d turkey released along the river have moved over 60 miles in a
year, Any development that cuts the riparian zone could have a serious negative
impact on species diversity and abundance. Therefore a change in land use on an in-
dividual parcel may have repercussions to the wildlife population up a:id down river.
The cattail marsh on the southwest part of the property is an important production,
feeding and cover area for a wide variety of birds amphibians and mammals iacluding:
rails, coots, heroes, waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds, cottontail rabbit
muskrat, and pheasant. Destruction of this marsh would have serious negative con-
sequences for a number of different wildlife species.
The Division of Ylildlife disagrees with the applicantta statement in paragraph 6.3 a)
of the MLRS application included in the packet, that, "No valuable or unique habitat
will be disturbed." The fact that the parcel is in the riparian zone xould indicate
that it is in an important habitat type. Weld County has acknoxledged the importance
of the riparian corridor, in terms of its wildlife value, and the need to protect this
zone in its comprehensive plan. The fact that the Perry Farm has been leased for
hunting privileges during the last several years bears witness to its value for wild-
life and recreation,
Tha applicant's reclamation plan indicates that the ultimate use of the land after
mining will be as pastureland. Oery little land will remain on the site after min-
ing ceases. If reclamation of the site is done proper],p, the farm should continue
to be an important wildlife area, and the ponds could provide an important warmwater
or two atorp fishery, The location of the land within an Urban Growth Zone xould
indicate that a primary use far the property in 15-20 years, when gravel eztraction
has ended, may be for recreation, and wildlife/fishery use. The applicant may want
to consider wildlife/fishexg and recreational uses as a primary goal in reclamation
of this site. Ultimate7,y, there may be more value in these uses as opposed to pasture
for livestock. Of course all of these uses can be accomadated at this site.
The Division is very concerned about mining in the area known as phase txo (the south-
west corner of the property). This entire area is covered by the cattail marsh previous-
ly mentioned, Mining in this area, using conventional techniques, will destroy the
marsh. Replacement o£ the marsh with a gravel pond will not compensate for the loss
of xildlife production habitat,
The Division, however, realizes the need of the applicant to estract lavailable gravel
deposits. The Division would recommend mining this area with a low impact method.
Rather than going into the marsh and removing all topsoil and overburden for stock-
piling we would recommend: a single accessjhaul road into phase two site. Removal
of material from the interior of the site towards the edge. A perimeter of a cattails
a minimum of 50 feet in width surrounding the phase two site be left undisturbed dur-
ing mining operations (with the exception of the single haul road). Stockpiling of
material should sot occur on the 50 foot perimeter of cattails. Slope reclamation
at 2:1 at and below 10 feet below high water line, 3:1 between 5 and 10 foot water
depth, and in less than 5 feet of water back to the cattails slope should be shallow
(no greater than 4:1 ). If this is done, the resulting pond/marsh complez should be
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