2004-03-30_REVISION - M1980183 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~YVliz STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCbskey, Acting Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Cobrado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 March 27, 2004 Harry H. Posey Division of Minerals and Geology Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St. Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 RECEIVED MAR 3 0 2004 ,/ Division of Minerals & Geology RE: Brannan Sand & Gravel Company, Pit 29, Permit No. M-1980-183 Dear Mr. Posey; For t~ldlfe- For People Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Reclamation Permit Amendment Application for the above project. The following letter constitutes the comments of the Division of Wildlife regarding the mine site. Change in Acreage: 176.24 This amendment will add an additional 30.64 mining acres and change the end usage to a water storage reservoir. The primary impact of this amendment will be the creation of a water storage reservoir, changes to seeding, and weed control. As mentioned in the amendment application, there is currently heavy usage of the mining area by wildlife, particularly waterfowl The value of the area to wildlife can be enhanced if certain measures are employed during reclamation. The 120'" Avenue extension project demands the creation of one continuous reservo'v from the original two reservoirs that were to be created by mining permits M-1979-195 and M-1977-153. The creation of one continuous storage reservoir will benefit wildlife by making a larger contiguous open area with significant habitat value. However, this area will be most beneficial if the shores and the bottom are not a uniform depth or slope. Additionally, small islands throughout the reservoir will be highly beneficial, especially if there aze one or more islands of at least 15' x 2S in size per 2 surface acres of water. Shoreline and island slopes should be a maximum of 4H: 1 V, with some areas having slopes no steeper than 8H: 1 V. Such shallow areas will allow for establishment of a variety of types of aquatic vegetation and invertebrate prey for waterfowl. This type of shoreline, coupled with a planting of a variety of native wetland plant species will allow for a variation in wctlands to be established which will have longterm benefits to wildlife, public viewing, and increased aesthctic value. The lake bed should have varied contours and structure, such as downed trees and shrubs, should be placed in the ponds to provide habitat and covet to aquatic wildlife. The changes outlined in the seed mix are appropriate and highly recommended. Any trees or shrubs that must be removed from the site should be left in the pond as fuh habitat. The addition of submerged trees and other vegetation and will greatly increase the value of the pond to aquatic organisms. Trees and shrubs that should be considered in the revegeta[ion effort are eastern red cedar, rocky mountainjtmiper, native plum, and willow. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russetl George, Ewecugoe D'vedor WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Phip James, Chac • Jeffrey Crawford, Vice-Chair• Brad Phelps, Secretary Members, Bernard Blade • Tom Burke • Rids Enstrom • Claae O'Neal • Robert Shoemaker • Ken Tortes Ex Officio Mambas, Russell George and Don Ament