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• .. STATE OF COLORADO • Roy Ronw, Oovemor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN r~ OPPOtllUrfrY t7.ror.OrEn John W. Mlrmma, Dtreekx 6060 Broadway Darner, Cobrado 60218 Telephone:(303)297.1192 Don Rooks 240 Ridge Road Rangely, CO 81648 Dear Mr. Rooks: For Wildlife - For People January 31, 1997 On January 30. 1997, I visited the W.J. Oilfield Gravel Pit where you are requesting an expansion permit. The site sets on tfie bluffs overlooking the White River between two small draws that feed into the White River during high runoff events. The vegetation appears to be mainly greasewood, sagebrush, rabbit brush, annual grasses, and some residual perennial grasses. wildlife that may be found in the area include, but are not limited to, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, cottontail rabbit, coyotes, prairie dogs, and several species of smaller mammals as well as reptiles. There is no indication of any endangered species on the site, however, the adjacent white River is habitat to the endangered Colorado River Sqliawfish. River Otters have also been reported in this lower portion of the white River. The. pit lies within critical winter range for both mule deer and pronghorn antelope. During an extreme winter, both species would be using this area in high numbers. Movement of pronghorn antelope to the river is also high in this area during extremely dry summers. Destruction of existing vegetation could have a limited impact on wintering herds, especially since it appears that little of no reclamation has started on the already mined portion of the pit. Reclamation of the previously mined area before or during future mining could reduce the impact to the wildlife. Vehicle traffic to and from the mine should be made aware of seasonal movements of native ungulates to avoid any collisions. The extension of the pit should have little impact on the small mammal or-reptilian species in the area. Most will move away from the disturbance until such time as. reclamation is complete, then they will repopulate the site. Again, reclamation of 't he previously mined area would~e of great benefit to any of these species.. •/ - ~ ~ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, James S. Lochhead, E,recullve Director riLDLIFE COMMISSION, Amold Salazar, Chaimren • Rebecca L Frank, Vke Chair • Mark LeVaaey, Secretary ~• ~ Louis F. Swill Member ~ Jessa Lengstori Boyd, Jc, Member Wiliam R. Hogberg, Member i John Stulp, Member ~ James R. Long, Member r .