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STATE OF COLORADO BIII Rttter, Jr., Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCloskey, Director 8080 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80218 Telephone. (303) 297.1192 wtldlife.srate.co.ur Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 March 6, 2007 - -' - - ~ ~~ it rF,R l 27.ng7 D~iiciarr u° t;_c:motian fittntne and Safety ' For ~!d/ife- ForPeople Dear Sir ar Madam: ~/ ,/ Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the lack Beedle, Beedle Quarry permit, File No. M-201T7- 003. Our local district officer, Lance Gatlm`~ p fed the site (T20S, R69W, Sec. 2), and offers the following comments. The site is characterized as short-grass prairie with a low to moderate potential for impact due to the diversity of species of wildlife present. With the development of the site there will be an increased non-vegetated surface area and thus an increased potential for erosion from water and wind events. As with all areas that have been disturbed, the possibility of infestation by noxious weeds is more likely to occur. The application states that 9.96 acres will be mined. Hardscmbble Creek is an intermittent stream adjacent to the mine site. Potential exists for Hardscrabble Creek to receive storm runoff from the mine site. We believe an incremental approach to mining the site will provide the best erosion control as well as have the least amount of impact to wildlife. We suggest mining in 5-acre increments. As the next 5 acres are mined, the previous 5 acres are being reclaimed. Implementing this method, in conjunction with a drainage control berm, will allow for the maximum amount of erosion control practical, thus reducing the risk of negatively impacting Hardscrabble Creek. This reclamation method will also benefit wildlife by increasing rangeland availability. We would also suggest that a plan to control the proliferation of noxious weeds be implemented. Noxious weeds are already established in the surrounding area and without the reclamation efforts that leave been suggested; this habitat would further lose value to all wildlife species and potentially have an adverse effect on their condition as well as the viability of the adjoining habitat communities, Lastly, a seed mix for revegetation containing a high - --- percentage of grass and shrub components to benefit pronghorn antelope and mule deer would be recommended as well as other vegetative species that would high]y benefit wildlife. The Division appreciates having the opportunity for input. Please fee] free to contact me at our Salida office at (719) 530-5520 if you have any questions. Thank you once again for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, ,y>". ~~ Jim Aragon Area Wildlife Manager DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Hans D. Sherman, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Jeffrey Crawford, Chair • Tqn Burke, Vice Chair • Claire 0' Neal, Secretary Members, Robert Bray • Brad Coors • Rick Enstrom .Richard Ray • Janes MrAnafly • Ken Torres Ex Officio Members, Hans Sherman and John Stulp