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<br /> <br />with open water. Potential wintering habitat for bald eagles, <br />therefore, is not restricted to areas near the project site. <br />According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, bald eagles are <br />commonly observed during winter at various locations along the <br />Cache la Poudre River in Larimer and Weld counties (Mr. Gene <br />Cook, personal communication). Mining north of the river at <br />several gravel pit operations has apparently not deterred the <br />birds from winter use of nearby riparian areas despite an abun- <br />dance of alternative sites. <br />Dr. Robert Stoecker, in conducting a study of the area, made the <br />following assessment: <br />Only a general statement can be made at this time <br />regarding the probable impacts of wildlife if graveling <br />occurs. As previously mentioned, the riparian areas <br />along the Cache la Poudre River represent the most <br />important wildlife habitat in the area. To the <br />extent that it is possible, disturbances and <br />particularly the removal of large trees along the <br />rive: should be avoided. In terms of the <br />overall effects of gravel mining on wildlife at <br />this locality, the most important consideration <br />is the reclamation plan. It is entirely possible <br />that the val~ie of the area to wildlife could be <br />markedly improved by appropriate plantings around <br />pond margins and by well designed shoreline con- <br />figurations. Such features can be initiated in <br />the early stages of minino_ and can add to both <br />scenic quality as well as wildlife diversity. <br />H-3 <br />