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TETRA TECH RMC Mr. Larry Oehler Adequacy Response M-2004-044 November 22, 2004 Page 13 of 20 better suited habitat for wildlife as a connection to the riparian corridor. As indicated on the Reclamation Plan Maps, cottonwood trees will be planted along the South Platte River. Pursuant to the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District request and the Division of Wildlife recommendation, we have removed some of the cottonwood trees and replaced them with chokecherry, wild rose, plum and serviceberry to enhance wildlife habitat. As required in Rule 3 Section 1.8(1), Aggregate Industries has "taken into account the safety and protection of wildlife on the mine site, at processing sites, and along all access roads to the mine site with special attention given to critical periods in the life cycle of those species which require special consideration..." Aggregate contracted Savage and Savage Environmental Specialists to conduct a Wildlife Assessment for the project site. This Assessment was used in the development of the Mining and Reclamation Plans. Aggregate will phase the mining and use concurrent reclamation to limit disturbed area at the site. Also as required in Rule 3 Section 1.8(2), Aggregate has created habitat which encourages diversity of both game and non-game species that improved the wildlife habitat within the framework of the reclamation plan costs. As described in the Wildlife Assessment prepared by Savage and Savage; "At completion of mining two reservoirs will be established north of Colorado State Highway 7 and a wet meadow or upland area will be established south of the highway. Cottonwood seedlings will be planted within the riparian comdor in order to enhance wildlife habitat structure and cover. A dryland seed mix will be seeded within the upland areas of the reclaimed site. Control and/or removal of noxious species during the project, and the replacement of desirable graminoid, forb, shrub, and tree species during reclamation, will result in enhancement o£wildli£e habitat on the property. The water area within the two reservoirs will serve as wildlife habitat on the property. The water area within the two reservoirs will serve as wildlife habitat for waterfowl and other bird species and the fringes of the reservoirs will be used by mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species." Although water storage reservoirs are not intended for enhanced wildlife habitat, Aggregate has designated the Phase 1 and 2A (approximately 36 acres) reclamation areas as upland or wetland which will be vegetated to enhance wildlife habitat. 13. The Natural Resource Conservation Service reviewed the seed mix proposed for the wetland areas. They recommend that live plants be planted, since the success rate is much better. The NRCS's recommendations were forwarded to Tetra Tech. Please consider using live plants and make changes to your reclamation plan accordingly. H:\3919_ol9_OIVviLRB\DMG Response\I St Adequacy Response to DMG I 1-5-04.doc