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The rock structure left by the sites first mining activity (early 1900's) was likely to be beneficial to wildlife. The small east facing bluff may have provided quail and deer with protection from the elements. It's likely that the rock in the area was heavily utilized by insect communities and reptiles. The mine's impacts to wildlife are likely to be minimal. The mine's surface acreage is small. A relatively small amount of habitat was lost in the initial construction of the mine. The site is near an intermittent stream, but far enough away that the impacts to the stream should be minimal. The greatest impacts to wildlife will be from the increase in human activity. The area will/has seen increased vehicle traffic. The noise and disturbance from vehicles, heavy machinery, and people may cause some species of wildlife to avoid the area. This will tre especially true during the day. There is another active sandstone mine approximately .5 miles north of Carrizo Stone South. The sum of the disturbance caused by both mines should be taken into account. When the mining activity is completed, there is the potential to make the site's wildlife habitat better than it was prior to mining. This will be dependant on what reclamation actions take place. The site's scaled quail, deer, and reptile habitat quality could be improved through the reclamation. It's suggested that the mine's south facing and east facine bluffs not be entirely backfilled. A height of five to ten feet of exposed bluff could be left. This will provide scaled quail with a place to avoid avian predators, be protected from the winter's north and west winds, and find shade in the heat of the day. Deer may also benefit from the bluffs and use them to get out of the elements. If practical, the two bluffs should be sloped between 40°-60°. This will make it easier for quail to escape over the bluff if threatened by predators below. The greatest habitat loss in the construction of the mine was the loss of skunkbrush and Cholla. If skunkbrush can be attained, it would be beneficial if it were planted throughout the site. It would be especially beneficial to plant skunkbrush at the base and top of the bluffs. This will provide quail with excellent cover in preferred roosting locations. Cholla could be transplanted onto the site to provide quail with additional cover. Cholla cactus is easily transplanted, and could be transplanted from marginal quail habitat to the mine site. Pinyons and Junipers should not be planted on the site. In southeast Colorado, Pinyon and Juniper stands have been encroaching into, and taking over shrub communities. In most cases the quality of habitat is reduced as pinions and junipers take over. If grass is reestablished on the site, native buffalo-grass should be used. It may be preferable to not plant grass on the site at all. If no Bass is planted, seed producing annuals will dominate the site for a few years after reclamation. The annuals should provide more food to quail and other birds than buffalo grass would. If there are some large rocks (l0inch +) left over from mining activities, it would be good to set those rocks aside before backfilling. Those rocks should be scattered both individually and in small piles on the surface of the topsoil layer. Aboveground rocks will provide areas where insect communities can get established. Many bird and reptile species depend heavily on these insect communities. The rocks would also provide daytime shelter for reptiles. Thank you for considering our comments. Sincerely, ~r~ ~~~ - Travis Black Area Wildlife Manager Colorado Division of Wildlife (719)336-6600