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<br />of the areas within this site dominated by Cottonwood Trees. These individual areas were <br />• mapped on a very small scale 1:1200 scale map using a Global Positioning System. We suggest <br />that the projected Bald Eagle Wintering Area digitized from a large scale 1:0,000 map could <br />possibly account for this apparent inconstancy. According to discussions we had with Mr. Terry <br />Ireland of the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Grand Junction on 21 February 2000, the closest <br />Bald Eag]e Nest to this proposed site is neaz the Carpenter Ranch approximately 8 miles west of <br />this site. <br />Since the proposed mining operation will only result in six Cottonwood Trees being removed, all <br />being located in the middle of a Sagebrush area, located away from any standing water near the <br />west side of the proposed mine pit area. The Applicant submits, that this operation will have only <br />a minimal effect on Bald Eagles and in the long term, since their reclamation plans aze for an <br />intensively stocked private fishery on the gravel pits, will potentially increase the food base of <br />these birds in this immediate area. <br />Great Blue Heron. According to the DOW mapping, the proposed mine area is located adjacent <br />to a Great Blue Herott Nesting Area. Upon discovering that this feature was mapped in this area <br />after having spent nearly two weeks on the site conducting a formal wetland survey without even <br />seeing any evidence of a nest or Heron Rookery in this immediate area, we discussed this matter <br />with Mr. Frank Camilletti. He informed us that this mapping vas erroneous and that you and he <br />had previously discussed this matter in connection with their Special Use Permit Application for <br />their dog sled tours. He showed us where the nests were actually located and it turned ou[ that <br />they aze located just to the east of the old McGregor townsite. He informed us that the two of you <br />• looked at these nests and that he thought that this "mistake" had corrected on the DOW wildlife <br />maps. <br />In order to determine for our own satisfaction the location of these nests, we snowshoed across <br />the existing rookery and determined that "Nesting Areas" shown on the DOW maps are off by <br />approximately one half mile and that the closest Heron nest to the proposed mine site was <br />approximately 2,000 feet west of the western most portion of the proposed mine azea. The <br />distance from this nest to the proposed mine azea is between 2,000 and 4,000 feet to the west, all <br />of which is relatively heavily covered by mature Cottomvoods. Therefore, the Applicant submits <br />that this operation will have relatively little if any impact on this species. Numerous examples are <br />available from other Heron Rookeries in the Yampa Valley, such as near the south end of <br />Steatboat Springs, the Highway 131 Bridge south of Steamboat and the large Heron Rookery <br />located between Yampa and Toponas. All of these Rookeries are located closer to major <br />highways and the railroad, which produce significantly more nosie that will be associated with <br />the operation of this gravel pit to the existing Heron Rookery located nearly one half mile away. <br />Summary. Nearly all of the area which will be disturbed in co~mection with this proposed mine <br />consists of native vegetation dominated by Moutttain Big Sagebrush. Very little wetland area, <br />only some minor, relatively isolated wetland areas will be affected by this action. The extent of <br />all the Willows and Cottonwood trees which will be affected by this action is outlined on the <br />enclosed wetland map. It is our opinion that everything considered, this site is one of the most <br />• compatible mine sites available in this area with respect to minimizing environmental and <br />