PERMFILE55994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

z It is essential to maintain an intact, unobstructed riparian corridor of adequate width to provide for the needs and movement of wildlife. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has identified this reach of the Poudre River and upstream as a Potential Mouse Protection Area for the Federal and State listed Preble's meadow jumping mouse, Zapus hudsa:rus preblier. Currently, they are recommending anon-disturbance zone of 100 yards from the centerline of waterways, in either direction, for preservation of Preble's habitat. In discussion on the final guidelines to be incorporated in the yet to be cotttpleted 4D ruling, some biologists aze suggesting that the non-disturbance zone be extended to 100 feet beyond the 100 year flood zone. Until the 4D Wile has been finalized and adopted there is no official setback. Therefore, unless modified by the USFW S, the Division will recommend the 100 yard setback from centerline of the River as anon-distwbance zone on this property. It seems reasonable to honor the conservative standard of 100 yards from the centerline of the river, as a minimr,m setback for non-development along the riparian corridor. In doing this the crucial riparian corridor, essential for species protection and movement by free ranging wildlife would remain intact. Additionally the Division would recommend thatdtking m or near the flood zone, intended to "contain" the river, should not be installed. The ecosystem along Plains streams in Colorado is adapted for and regenerated by periodic flooding. Diking and other attempts at controlling the River are prone to failure, negatively impact riverbottom wet meadows, and adversely affects upstream and downstream neighbors. There is a good reason why development is discouraged in these areas. Ill-designed fencing in and adjacent to the flood plain of the River can trap and injtue wildlife. Improperly designed fences set along road margins increase the hazard of car/deer strikes. Therefore, the Division of Wildlife would recommend that perimeter fencing and interior fencing on this site be kept to a minimum When necessary, the fences should be of a type that will allow the free movement of wildlife. Chain link or other fine mesh fencing material should not be used on this site unless absolutely necessary. These types of fencing should not be used to fence perimeters. Split rail, barb- wire and three strand smooth barb wire fences are acceptable alternatives for wildlife. I've included a couple of designs that provide proper wire spacing for use by wildlife. Where needed, fences paralleling roads should be set back 50-100 yards from the edge of the road to allow space for wildlife to view the road before crossing. We recognize the need of the pit operator to maintain security for the site. if installed, security fencing around the processing area batch phtnt should in several locations be raised two to three inches above ground surface to allow free movement of small mammals. However, there are many gravel sites along the Poudre, including the Hall Irvin site at 83rd Ave, that operate without extensive security fencing. Therefore there does not seem to be a need. Warm water sloughs on the property need to be protected to preserve open water when the site is reclaimed. Warm water sloughs are essential for protecting and holding waterfowl and other wildlife during bitter cold spells. In the original County Permit the protection of the west slough was stipulated as part of the permit requirements. There should be a letter on file from the Division to Shari Eason, of Tuttle Applegate, outlining our ageement for protection of this slough. The division would recommend that other warm water and sloughs found on site should be similarly protected. The pond shoreline contour suggested by Carnas Exhibit F for all reclaimed ponds is 3:1 at water edge and 2:1 at a 10 foot depth. These are standards suggested by the Mined Land Reclamation Board primarily for safety purposes. The reclamation plan for the site suggests that the ponds will be reclaimed as water storage reservoirs (fully lined pits). If this is the case, at times some of the ponds will be drawn down eight or more feet. When this happens the 2:1 contour will be at shoreline. DEPARTMEN"r OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg Welcher, Execuuw Ihrector