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' ~ STATE OF COLORADO <br />, ~ Plclurtl D. Lamm, Dovamor <br />i ~ bEPARTMENT OF NATURAL ~OURCES <br />~, _ _~DIVISIOy OF WILDLIFE <br />Jack R. drleb, Dlraetor <br />" 6060 Broadway <br />Dsnvar, Colorntla 00216 625-1192 <br />Southeast Region <br />2126 North Weber Street <br />Colorado Springs, CO 80907 <br />May 25, 1979 <br />Mr. Arthur N. Christensen <br />Leigh Whitehead and Associates <br />5 West Las Vegas <br />Colorado Springs, CO 80903 <br />Dear Mr. Christensen: <br />~CEIVED MAY 2 9 1979, <br />The potential of the Pikeview Quarry for wildlife habitat will primarily depend on <br />the use of the neighboring private lands at the time that reclamation is completed. <br />1£ adjacent land use is compatible, there is sane potential for successful recla- <br />mation for wildlife puzposes. <br />The northwest corner and southern one-third of the permit area hold the most po- <br />tential for use by the larger wildlife species, especially mule deer and possibly <br />bighorn sheep. During mining operations in these areas, care should be taken to <br />remove the absolute minimum number of existing trees. Reclamation of disturbed <br />areas should be in accordance with the recommendations discussed later in this <br />letter. <br />The major portion of the quarry immediately to the west and west-southwest of the <br />proposed industrial area will have very limited potential as wildlife habitat, <br />This will depend on two factors, one the type of industrial development undertaken <br />in the proposed industrial park area, and two, Castle's success in stabilizing the <br />extremely steep slopes and maintaining the plant growth medium and resulting vege- <br />tative ground cover on these slopes. With successful reclamation, this portion of <br />the permit area could provide habitat for nongame birds, small mammals and associ- <br />ated predator species. <br />Reclamation of the disturbed areas consistent with the following suggestions should '- <br />produce favorable wildlife habitat: <br />1. My information indicates that the reseeding mixture used at the Queens Canyon <br />Quarry has been successful. Use of the same mix would be acceptable. Mountain <br />mahogany seed would be a very beneficial addition to the seed mixture used. <br />Fertilization and mulching should be according to S.C.S• recommendations. <br />2. Large shrubs and trees should be planted to achieve a minimum of 158 to a maxi- <br />mum of 508 crown cover. Species to consider would include Oakbrush, Pinon, <br />Juniper, Mountain Mahogany, Rabbitbrush, and Saltbush. Any trees planted <br />should be in groups or clumps to provide nesting sites and cover. <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Harris Sherman, Executive Director • WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Thomas Farley, Chairman <br />Sem Ceudil 1, Vice Chairman Roger Clark, Secretary Jeen K. Tool, Member Vernon C. Williams, Member <br />• Jey K. Childress, Member Michael Higbee, Member • Wilbur Redden, Member <br />~x~{IaiT IA <br />