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FEB-25 00 03:10 FRDM:CDOW 303-498-5742 TO`3038328106 Ueu ll2 99 05:13p Di~ion or Wildlife 1-9 52-213 PRG4:11 Therefore the Iivision would recotnatmd a 3:l contour for all lined ponds es a mleirt~~n standard Phis should not diminish storage caparity since ell areas within the liner inchtdmg grotmdwater in considered storage. The reclamation pL•tn also states that the other two intents for reclamation are wetlands and wildlife habitat. We applaud Carnes' decision to maintain thin porrion of the PoutTre River Corridor as a prime wildlife area! 7'o nuximize the habitat potential of this site post minieg, and oEset the significant Jose of riverbottom habitat resulting Enm the excavation of pits end installation oflined reservo'vs, the Division would recommend that careful consideration be given to the shapes and coatoura of the cortrpleled pits. Lined, rectangular pi[s of 2' 1 slope offer littlo value ea wildlife habitat and/or wetlands. Lmed pas, prone to periodic dewateting offer little m fishery value. Aetxmgular pits of 2:] slope offer 6nle in esthetic, recreational value. The Diviaioo would recommend that recbrmtion ofthe pits should establish curved, irregular shorelines with shoals, covet and peninsulas. 'These: protected areas provide sanctuary for water birds end others m rough weather. Ponians oCthe shoreline should be reclaimed wilh shallower slope eoatotus thtt would anew the restabtishmenr of wedmd plant eonrmtmities. Contours of 8:1 or shallower will allow the growth of wet grass meadows, rush/sedge wetlandv, bullrush and cattail thickets. Since many acres of this habitat type will he removed during ttlinieg it is i~crative to atter~+t to rebuild as much wet meadow as posnhle. When esteblLstted inside the liner they will store water and may cut down on evaporative lose Islands maybe wnswuted in the center of the ponds to provide nesting/resting hebaat for water b'vds. 7'he bottom of ponds sbotild be kft irregular and tmeven. Large tree trunks, scrap concrete and other suitable materials tea be deposited in [hc hottotns and along the edge of the ponds to provide fish struchtre. The Division can protnde information and support in designing Ssh `Yeefs" and other aquatic habitat. In other area pas, the Division has worked tvitb Boy Scouts and other groups to msta0 [ire reefs and other strue[ure prior ro filling new reservo'vs while it is easiest to accorrgtli.sh. Reservoirs should be desigeed to provide a conservation pool of appropriate size to protect fish during dewateriog. Revegetation of mined areas is difficult cad taay take years. We appreciate Cemus' intent to perform m progress reelatDation! ID other pits we've been invo}vcd with, it seems to allow for the q[tirJtest site recovery. No.~oous weeds are a problem in most reclamation efforts. '!he meg plan states that Camas will mow during the first growing season if necessary to control nardous weeds. The Division would recommrnd a long-term tweed plan be developed for the site, includmg tlnmined areas. Tltey will in all lilcel.ihood need a plan. Ron Brode. the Weld County Weed Inspee[or, can help them devise a plan that will protect the property end 9tltrounding lends. The seed mixture suggested in the reveg. plan seems composed for upland sites. I spoke with the range experts at the Natural Resources Conservation Sertice (NAGS) about this plan. They suggested that the Luna Pubescent Wheatgra;s and Linco}n Smooth Brotttegrass be removed from the pleat tuixture. They also suggested, and ]strongly agree. the[ Reed Canary Grass, Alkali Cordgass, Yellow Indiaogracc, and Green Needlegrass be added to the tttixture to reestablish the wet meadow complex. I wotild also suggest that aoe or more appropriate legumes for the site be included in the mie. A dryland Alfla6, Sweetclover. or Bird's Toot Trefoi] could be added to provide cover, stand heterogeneity, and nitrogen fixing capahifity. Representatives ofthe MRCS have told me they would he happy to provide appropriate seed miat~res for the site. Mud clumps of cattatil end hullruch ten be dumped at water's edge to start the reestablishment of[he marsh bahitat. UtYAa rM1ltl+l Vr YAT URN,RESOURCES. Greg W~Ichw, E~wi4.~Die«~e,