2007-01-22_PERMIT FILE - M2007006

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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EOUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCloskey, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 wi[dlijestate.co. us November 27, 2006 Mr. Timothy M. Scanlon TMS Consultants 46125 C.R.I P.O. Box 53 Saguache, CO. 81149 RE: Ted Franciscotti Gravel Pit #1 --- Huerfano County Deaz Mr. Scanlon: For Wrld!!fe- For Peop/e The Division of Wildlife has received and reviewed your request for information regarding the proposed gravel pit located in Sec. 34 (SE'/.) and Sec. 3 (NE1/4), T26S, R67W, 6'h PM in Huerfano County. The site was inspected by District Wildlife Manager Lonnie Brown on November 11, 2006 and was noted to consist primarily of short-grass species, cacti and small shmbs. Wildlife in the area includes prairie bird species, reptiles, small mammals, pronghorn and deer. There are no known prairie dog colonies or T&E species. Initial wildlife impacts will be localized and minor. The proposed plan is for a Tong term operation on approximately 306 acres. The plan states that the operation could impact the land in 30 acre increments for 3 to 10 years over a total period of up to 60 yeazs. With that understanding, reclamation should also proceed concurrently with mining so that no more than 30 acres is disturbed at any one time. Wildlife populations and habitat conditions could change incrementally over this extended period of time and it is therefore recommended that the plan be reviewed and the site be re-evaluated before work is begun on each successive 30 acre tract. A growing concern to the Division of Wildlife is the encroachment and establishment of noxious weeds to any disturbed area in this part of Huerfano County. It is the recommendation of the DOW that the disturbed area be routinely and closely monitored and inspected for the detection and eradication of any noxious weeds including tamarisk (observed on site by DWM Brown). An eradication plan should be implemented to control any noxious weed gowth as it occurs and not be left for final reclamation prior to bond relea Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this gravel pit proposal. If you have questions, please contact DWM Lonnie Brown directly at (719) 989-1027. 'ncerely l ~Z(,y I v Al Tmjillo ~./1 Area Wildli e Manager DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Exeurtive Direcor WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Jeffrey Crawford, Chair • Tom Burke, uce Chair • Claire O'Neal, Secretary Members, Robert Bray • Brad Coors • Ridc Enstrom • Richard Ray • James MrAnaly • Ken Tomas Ex Officio Members, Russell George and Don AmeM