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survivability of these wetlands in a region where drought is not uncommon. Fortunately, <br />droughts such as the extremely intense one that peaked in 2002 are comparatively rare. <br />This document describes the results and conclusions of this study. Originally, this <br />report was intended to be submitted in September of 2002, but after further consideration it <br />was decided to wait unti12003 so the drought effects could be further examined and, as has <br />been the case, if the drought subsides, the patterns of drought recovery. Because wetlands are <br />very dynamic and sometimes very sensitive systems, especially in a drought, it was decided <br />that these drought effects were important to the overall assessment of whether the mitigation <br />was secure. Clearly, simply creating some wetlands is not the underlying motivation for <br />mitigation; if the wetlands do not have long term viability and survivability one would have to <br />question whether the intent of wetland mitigation has been served and, accordingly, whether <br />the project can be considered a success. <br />Permit Goals <br />Examination of the 1988 original permit document and the 1996 extension, showed <br />there were four main goals to be met in the mitigation effort. <br />1. To establish a minimum of 8.5 acres of wetland. It appears this was the specific <br />purpose of the two small sites that total about 10 acres. These two sites were <br />also to be protected from cattle grazing with fences and thus formed an easy <br />means to compare the effects of grazing on the recovery of the streambed <br />vegetation. <br />2. To mitigate riparian forest losses by establishing new tree growth in appropriate <br />locations. <br />3. To monitor the water table so as to have a reference as to what elevation <br />existing and new trees would be obtaining water. This was also done to monitor <br />the effects of streambed mining on the water table. <br />4. To supplement natural reforestation with tree plantings. <br />General Description and History of the Site <br />streambed mining, although less common now than it was in the past, still occurs. In <br />Colorado this type of mining is primarily found on the eastern plains and usually in ephemeral <br />stream channels that usually only flow after strong precipitation events. Many of these <br />ephemeral streams support growths of cottonwood forest. Although these forests are far less <br />lush than those that exist along the major river courses, they are nevertheless important <br />Coal Creek Wetlands and Wetland Mitigation DA Permit 198811488 August 2003 Page 2 of 23 <br />