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n U • Ms. Elizabeth K. Miller District Wildlife Manager Colorado Division of Wildlife P.O. Box 775777 Steamboat Springs, CO 80477-5777 iiiii iiuiii • 6 March 2000 Re: Requested Wildlife Consultation for the Proposed Camilletti Milner Pit # 2. ~~ • Dear Libby: Pursuant to both the Regulations of the Routt County Regional Planning Department and the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, we aze making this formal request for a written wildlife statement relative to the proposed gravel pit being proposed for lands adjacent to the Yampa River and Trout Creek approximately one half mile to the south of Milner. We have previously submitted a copy of the 404 Permit Application directly to your Grand Junction Office on 11 February 2000 and you might have received word from them regarding this proposed operation. Enclosed for your review aze copies of the maps which were submitted with the 404 Permit Application. R'e carefully reviewed all of the Colorado Division of Wildlife Mapping for the Milner area which your agency has previously submitted to the Routt County Regional Planning Department. Our interpretation of these maps is that for most wildlife issues the proposed mine azea is beyond or outside of any important wildlife areas. We present our brief review of these maps below. Greater Sandhill Cranes. The proposed mine site is located within the Overall Range of this bird but at its closes[ point is nearly 1.1 miles to the northeast of the identified nesting areas and some 1.4 miles to the northeast of any identified Staging Areas. Given the distance between these important habitat features to the proposed mine site, we feel that it is highly improbable that the proposed gravel mitring operation will have any adverse impact on this species. Mule Deer. The proposed mine site access road onto U.S. Highway 40 is located approximately 0.~ mile to the west of the identified Deer Crossing across this highway. At its closest point, corresponding to the sanre point identified above, the mine area is located one mile from the identified Mule Deer Mitigation Route identified on the DOW Wildlife maps of this area. At its closest point, the proposed mine area is located some 1.2 miles to the northeast of the identified Mule Deer Winter Range, some 1.4 miles to [he northeast of the identified Critical Winter Range and Critical Habitat of this species. Given the distance between these important habitat features to the proposed mine site, we feel that it is highly improbable that the proposed gravel mining operation will ]rave any adverse impact on this species. Elk All of the proposed mine area is located within the area identified as Elk Winter Range. At its closest point the proposed mine area is located some 500 feet to the north the azeas identified as Severe Winter Range and Critical Habitat, with both of these azeas located on the steep hillside to the south of the proposed mine azea. The site is located approximately 2.7 miles to the north and northeast of the identified Elk Mitigation Route. Given the distance between these