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STATE OF COLORADO <br />Bill Owens, Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNrrY EMPLOYER <br />Russell George, Director <br />Southeast Reoion: <br />2126 N Weber Street <br />Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907 <br />RECEIVED <br />OCT 0 3 2002 <br />Telephone: (719)227-5200 <br />September 25, 2002 <br />Mr. Harry H. Posey <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215 - - <br />Denver, Colorado. 80203 <br />Division of Minerals and Deolegy <br />Re: Holcim (US) Inc. Portland Limestone Ouany, Permit # M-1977-344, AM-1 <br />Dear Mr. Posey, <br />GO~~O <br />O <br />Qy <br />~`fp`y OF ~v <br />For Ifrldlife- <br />For People <br />The Division has reviewed the above referenced permit application amendment and is familiar with the site. We offer the <br />following comments for your consideration. The proposed amendment to this application involves the addition of 69 acres, <br />the existing plant and facilities area. <br />The wildlife resource for this permit has been documented with in the original permit application. This includes but is not <br />limited to the following species: black tailed prairie dogs, badger, swift fox, mule deer, raccoon, prairie rattlesnake, bull <br />snake, western meadowlark, lark bunting, red-tailed hawk, and plains native fishes. <br />The location of the proposed addition of 69 acres would include a section of the Arkansas River and azeas south of the river. <br />The Arkansas River provides a unique resource within Fremont county. The majority of the documented species depend on <br />the riparian/wetland corridor, allowing [he addition of these lands would impact to the Arkansas River and Pueblo Reservov. <br />The Division suggests that the proposed amendment be denied to limit the impacts of mining to north side of the Arkansas <br />River. <br />The Division would like to reiterate our opposition of diverting Bear Creek for 7, 155 feet. The diversion of Bear Creek will <br />result in the removal of all wetland/riparian habitats, which will severely impact the wildlife resource on and adjacent to the <br />property. Also, Bear Creek provides excellent potential habitat for Arkansas Darter and Southern Red Belly Dace. <br />As with all areas that have been disturbed, the possibility of infestation by noxious weeds is more likely to occur. A plan to <br />control the growth and expansion of these plants may need to be developed. The Division also suggests that the seed mix <br />used for revegetation reflect the existing species composition on the property. <br />The Division appreciates having this opportunity for input. Please feel free to contact me at (719)227-5227 if you have <br />questions or requve additional information. <br />Sincerely, <br />C <br />Casey Cooley, Habitat Biologist <br />Cc: Dean Riggs, CDOW <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Watcher, Executive Direcor <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Rids Enstrom, Chair • Robert Shoemaker, Ywe-Chair. Marianna Raftopoubs, Seaetary <br />Members, Bernard Black • Tom Burke • Jeffrey Crawford • Philip James • Brad Phelps • Olive Valdez <br />Ex-Olfido Members, Greg E. Wakt,er arui Don Ament <br />