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NOU-10-00 12:56 FROM:DIU.WILDLI~ WEST RG 970-255-Elll T0~038328106 PRGE:002 STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE eQUaL orvaarvum rt~+xorat Rueesa G~oras, D'vsia tD60 Broadvwy Denver, Cebrado 80316 TekyMne: (303) 287.11 November S, 2000 Carl B. Mount Senior F-nvironnteutal Protection Specialist Division of Minerals and Geology ] 313 Sbetmaa Street, Room 215 Deaver, CO 80203 LtE: Mamm Creek Sand & Gravel, Ft1e No. M-2000-113 Dear Mr. Mount: III lll~ IIIIIIIII II~ Tor Wrldlife- Frr People 1 have had the opportunity to visit this site and I have reviewod the maps and materials provided is the referral packet. I have also requested input from other Colorado Division of Wildlife persvnneL The riparian area along the Colorado River, where this proposed development wt71 take place, is extremely imporiafa, as ii provides habitat for more wIldlife species than any other habitat type in Colorado. Tbis sand and gravel operation wiIl have negative impacts on the habitat and the wildliife that utilizes it. The area provides habitat for large mammals h7te deer and coyotes, as well as numerous stnaIl mammal species like ground squirrels, mrskrats snd mice. One would also expect to find a wide variety ofbird species using the area, including waterfowl, owls, songbirds, barons and bald eagles. Amphibians, reptiles and aquatic insects also rely heavily on riparian areas, and they w~ also be iu~acted by this gravel operation. Several threatened or endangered species and other species of special concern could be present at the site. Information oa their suspected presence at the site is available. The major impacts to wildlife that will occur as a result of this development sviIl be the conversion of riparian habitat into diaurbed areas, and deep, steeply banked ponds, which are not aormaIly associated with river riparian systems. The disturbed areas ofthe property will likely see an increase in aoa-native vegetation and noxious woad infestations. Throughout the life of the mining operation there well be impacts to wildGte associated with noise and increased human activity. The culmination of several types of impacts in this area will surely change the productivity of the errs and will decrease wldhife utlization at the site. Additiaaally, the pii ponds wl~ 1~7tely create habitat for non-native fish species that have been found to have adverse impacts to federaIly listed Hari`-e fish. Gravel pit ponds which typically have steep beaks, provide very little habitat for wildlife sm.ce they do not have shallow water areav for waterfowl, shorebirds, or other species such as amphtbisns and aquatic insects. DEPARTMENT OP NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. VVeldra, F~cutlue Dier~or IIYt~LIFE C.OMMISSkkN, Bemmd L BIad4 Jr.. Chairman . look EtrStrom, Vicel'J+aaman . 1maP James. Seaerary Member, Tom Burke . Made LeNeaq . Malrenna Reanpoudos . Robnt Shoemaks . OiJe Vella E7.ORdo Memberrw GreO E. Welcher and Don Ament