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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCbskey, Detector 6060 Broadway Denver, Cdorado 60216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 Michael Ripp M VR Resources, Inc. P.O. Box 54 Delta, CO.81416 RE: Red Shale Surface Mine Deoembe 13, 2004 Mr. Ripp, For ~Idlife- For People This letter is in response to a request to provide rccommendations regarding wildlife impact for a red shale surface mine. The site plan for the shale mine near the old Red Canyon Coal Mine has been reviewed. In this specific area there are no known species of concern. The p1aM life that exists without human influence consists of cedars, pinon juniper, and an assortmerrt of grasses and forts commonly found in the acid portions of Western Colorado. The proposed land may permanently change the future habitat value. ]t is anticipated that this project will have few major impatxs on most wildlife. The area in question does not contain any critical habitat. A project of this size may cause wildlife to be displaced. Tbe area in question has been used by deer year round as well as elk in the winter months. There have also been sightings of bears and mountain lions. There area a variety of small mammals including rabbits and mice located in the area There are a few suggestions which may help mitigate any future impatxs on wildlife. Wherever possible, native species should be used in revegetation. Native plants oRen out-compete exotic species over time arld are most useful to wildlife. The vegetation surrounding the site can be used as a guide when selecting native species. Controlling noxious weeds during as well as after the project is complet~l can also benefit wildlife. Upon completion ofthe Protect. Ponds created from gravel pits can greatly benefit wildlife. If fencing is proposed, there are recommended fences which are wildlife friendly and allow free movement of wildlife. These recommended fences have a height not greater than 42 inches with 16 inches between the ground and bottom wire and 12 inches between the top and second wire. The Division of Wildlife would be willing to help in other recommendations for fencing and has brochures with additional information. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this land use issue in Delta County. If you need further information please wntact District Wildlife Manager Bob Moms. Sin ly, ~~~~^. Wenum, Area Wildlife Manager Cc: John Bredehoft, Public Services Manager Tom Spezze, Southwest Regional Manager Comments prepared by: Bob Morris District Wildlife Manage, Cedaredge DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. Russel George, ExeaAhe Ding WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Phdq James, Char JeIIrey Crawford, ViceChar • &ad Phe¢s. Secretary Mwnhwc Rwn~ni Rb~r • Tron p,ulrv. Av~4 Fnehrvn . r•.lasn n'nlm • QrJt<vt Clvwmntrx • Kw, Trtrnoc