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<br />Tlterefore the Division would recommend a 3:1 contour for all lined ponds as a minimum standard. <br />This should not diminish storage capacity since all areas within the liner including groundwater is <br />considered storage. <br />The reclamation plan also states that the other two intents for reclamation are wetlands and wildlife <br />habitat. We applaud Camas' decision to maintain this portion of the Poudre River Condor as a prime <br />wildlife area! To maximize the habitat potential of this site post mining, and offset the significant loss <br />of riverbottom habitat resulting from the excavation of pits and installation of lined reservotrs, the <br />Division would recommend that carefiil consideration be given to the shapes and contows ofthe <br />completed pits. Lmed, rectangular pits of 2:1 slope offer little value as wildlife habitat and/or wetlands. <br />Lined pits, prone to periodic dewatering offer little in fishery value. Rectangular pits of 2: ] slope offer <br />little in esthetic, recreational value. The Division would recommend that reclamation of the pits should <br />establish curved, irregular shorelines with shoals, coves and peninsulas. These protected areas provide <br />sanctuary for water birds and others in rough weather. Portions of the shoreline should be reclaimed <br />with shallower slope contours that would allow the restablishment of wetland plant communities. <br />Contours of 8: l or shallower will allow the growth of wet grass meadows, rush sedge wetlands, <br />bullrush and cattail thickets. Since many acres of this habitat type will be removed during mining it is <br />imperative to attempt to rebuild as much wet meadow as possible. When established inside the liner <br />they will store water and may cut down on evaporative loss. Islands may be constructed in the center <br />ofthe ponds to provide nesting/resting habitat for water birds. The bottom ofponds should be left <br />irregular and uneven. Large tree trunks, scrap concrete and other suitable materials can be deposited in <br />the bottoms and along the edge of the ponds to provide fish structure. The Division can provide <br />information and support in designing fish `Yeefs" and other aquatic habitat. In other area pits, the <br />Division has worked with Boy Scouts and other groups to install fire reefs and other structure prior to <br />filling new reservoirs while it is easiest to accomplish. Reservoirs should be designed to provide a <br />conservation pool of appropriate size to protect fish during dewatering. <br />Revegetation of mined areas is difficult and may take years. We appreciate Camas' intent to perform in <br />progress reclamation! In other pits we've been involved with, it seems to allow for the quickest site <br />recovery. Noxious weeds are a problem in most reclamation efforts. The reveg phtn states that Camas <br />will mow during the first growing season ifnecessary to control noxious weeds. The Division would <br />recommend along-term weed plan be developed for the site, including unnrined areas. They will in all <br />likelihood need a plan. Ron Broda, the Weld County Weed Inspector, can help them devise a plan that <br />will protect the property and surrounding lands. <br />The seed mixture suggested in the reveg. plan seems composed for upland sites. I spoke with the <br />range experts at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) about this plan. They suggested <br />that the Luna Pubescent Wheatgrass and Lmcoln Smooth Bromegrass be removed from the plant <br />mixture. They also suggested, and I strongly agree, that Reed Canary Grass, Alkali Cordgrass, Yellow <br />Indiangrass, and Green Needlegrass be added to the mixture to reestablish the wet meadow complex. 1 <br />would also suggest that one or more appropriate legumes for the site be included in the mix. A dryland <br />Alflafa, Sweetclover, or Bird's Foot Trefoil could be added to provide cover, stand heterogeneity, and <br />nitrogen fixing capability. Representatives of the NRCS have told me they would be happy to provide <br />appropriate seed mixtures for the site. Mud clumps of cattati] and bullrush can be dumped at water's <br />edge to start the reestablishment ofthe marsh habitat. <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Geg Welcher, Ezectmve Director <br />