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v • WILDLIFE STATEMENT • The following information is provided for use by the min ~~e~ ®~~ Reclamation Board in consideration of a mining permit fo G~f Mobile Premix Concrete, Inc. Denver, CO 80217 APR 20 1981 The Colorado Division of Wildlife does hereby find tha~?~~d~LANDRECLAMATION impact of thi s operation on wi 1 dl i fe wi 11 be: Colo. Dept. of Natural Resources Minor Moderate jor Mine Name: Loesch Pit Mine Location: part of SZ Section 7, Part of NZN%, Section 18, T6S, R92W Wildlife Species List: (May be attached) Mule Deer Bobcat Striped Skunk Greater Sand hill Crane Canada Goose Bald Eagle Coyote Raccoon Gray Fox Great Blue Heron Numerous Ducks Nuttalls Endangered Species Impacted: Cottontail Greater Sandhill Crane (migratory) Bald Eagle Vegetation Communities: (May be attached) The majority of the pit area is agricultural grassland. A large overflow channel with a wetland area runs from the north- central to northwest corner of the pit area. The northern boundary is composed of a dense Assessment of Impact: (May be attached) (SEE ATTACHED SHEET....) The pit size, and length of operation (20 years) warrant that certain precautions be taken in order to prevent severe long term impacts to wildlife. This section of the Colorado River is used by wintering bald eagles and is part of a potential nesting area for the eagles. Several hunting perches exist in Section 7 and aerial observations during the past three winters indicate high use by the wintering eagles. Intensive activity near the river could cause the bald eagles to abandon the area and eliminate any nesting possibilitiE••. Elimination of the overflow/wetland complex would reduce present habitat diversity and sub- sequently wildlife species diversity. Reclamation/Mitigation Recommendations: (May be attached) To reduce potential wildlife impacts the following is recommended: 1. The pit should be mined and reclaimed in phases with several small pits rather than a single large pit. 2. The pits should contain an island(s) and an irregular bottom and shoreline with peninsulas. 3. No activity should occur within 100' of the overflow channel and wetland area. 4. All cottonwood trees adjacent to the river should be preserved and a minimum setback of 100' from the river should be maintained in order to save important bald eagle perche• 5. Activity should be restricted or severely reduced from December 1-April 1 (especially near the river) to protect wintering bald eagles. 6. Areas of intensive activity (crusher, batch plant, etc.) should be located on the south side of the pit away from the river. 7. The possibility of a conservation easement on the river should be explored. The Division of Wildlife will assist if this is possible. 8. Revegetation should be done using cottonwood trees, willows, wetland vegetation, native Pre~pare~ $yd shrubs•nrnn ~, Title DISTRICT WILDLIFE MANAGER Prepared by:MICHAFI R GgpDE Title WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST Date: APRIL 9, 1981 Copies furnished to: Grand Pre Will Leslie File(Z)-Loesch Pit-Garfield