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<br />juniper. We recommend that all tree and shrub planting be done using weed barrier material to help control <br />competition from weeds and help plantings to successfully establish <br />Recommended reclamation grass and legume species for wildlife exclude tall wheatgrass, intermediate <br />wheatgrass, reed canary grass, etdian rice grass, Great Basin wild rye, switch grass, Ladak alfalfa and yellow <br />and white sweet clovers. <br />We highly recommend that the reclamation plan include specific wording to address the control of <br />noxious weeds which are rapidly becoming an increasing threat to wildlife and wildlife habitat across <br />Colorado and the United States. All restoration should be monitored for at least throe years following initial <br />plantings and proper measures enforced during this time to control for establishment of noxious weed species. <br />Constructing ponds post-mining will provide new habitat for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, <br />amphibians and fish species. We recommend that ponds be constructed to have irregular shorelines, and <br />also contain one or two islands of at least 15' x 25' in size per 2 surface acres. Lazger islands are good if <br />possible. Shoreline and island slopes should be 4H:1 V, with some areas of shoreline in each pond having <br />slopes no steeper than 8H:1 V or l OH:1 V. Such shallow aeeas will allow for establishment of a variety of <br />different types of aquatic vegetation and also invertebrate prey for waterfowl Such a shoreline coupled <br />with planting a variety of wetland plant species will allow for a variation in wetlands to be established <br />which will have long-term benefits to wildlife, public viewing of wildlife, and an overall increased <br />aesthetic value to this site. Permanent pond depths of 10 feet or more in various places will provide <br />secure yeaz round habitat for a variety of warm water fish species. <br />Finally, the proposed facilities may significantly impact a prairie dog town on the south side of the site. We <br />recommend that the prairie dogs be either moved alive to another location or humanely killed before any earth- <br />moving occurs. Since western burrowing owls use prairie dog towns and live in prairie dog holes, the <br />following should be observed: <br />- lfcotrshvction is to occur between March 1 and October 31, the area should be checked for the presence <br />of burrowing owls prior to any earth-moving tal~tg place. The owls are susceptible to being buried and <br />killed in then holes by construction activity. Note that this species is protected by law and killing one is <br />illegal. <br />- If wnstruction is done between November 1 and February 28, it is very unikely that owls would be <br />present since they migrate out ofthe state during the wetter. <br />Note that we do not have information on threatened/endangered plants or invertebrates. For plant or <br />invertebrate information, you might wish to contact: <br />Colorado Natural Heritage Program <br />254 General Services Building <br />Colorado State University <br />Fort Collins, CO 80523 <br />PH:(970~191-1309 FAX: (970)491-0279 <br />The Division of Wildlife appreciates this opportunity to visit and comment on this project. If you have <br />any questions, please contact me at (970)472-4435. Thank you. <br />