2005-10-11_REVISION - M1992054 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3.0 PROPOSED ACTION The proposed project will involve the excavation processing and removal of aggregate rock from 100-acres of the LBCR in La Plata County, Colorado (Figure 3, Appendix A). The proposed site would be developed on lands currently utilized for hay production. The rock deposits vary in depth across the northern portion of the proposed project site. The deposits are estimated to range from approximately 10 to 20 feet thick. 4.0 EXISTING HABTI'AT CONDTTION 4.I Existing Habitat Condition The topographical features of the analysis azea and vicinity aze characterized by a level valley flat with the steep toeslopes (30 to 45 percent slopes) of La Boca Peak on the west edge of the property. Elevation in the project area ranges from 6,170 to 6,400 feet. The proposed project area is located approximately 0.4 miles east of the Los Pinos River. Surficial geology of the proposed project area is derived from the San Jose Formation with valley field and terrace deposits of Quaternary origin. Soils in the project azea are diverse and include Bodot clay, 3 to 10 percent slopes; Buckle loam; Dulce-Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex; Teflon loam; Ustic Tomorthents-Ustollic Haplazgids complex; Witt loam; and Zyme- Rock outcrop wmplex. Soil texture in the proposed project is silty clay loam to fine sandy loam, with exposed sandstone along edge of canyons. For more specific information see "Soil Survey of La Plata County, Colorado" (1988). The disturbed surfaces of the project area have been extensively mixed and compacted during construction of the multiple pipeline corridors, the agricultural fields, roads, and abandoned gravel pit. No cryptobiotic and/or humus soil crusts were observed in the project area. There are no prominent topographical or geological features within the project area. La Boca canyon an ephemeral wash, bisects the property, and drains into the Los Pinos River, the neazest perennial water source, located approximately 0.4 mites east of the project azea. A small potential wetland area was observed associated with a water impoundment facility located along the road through the center of the property. No determination was made as to whether this wetlands was jurisdictional or not. The water impoundment facility is not included in the mineral development area of the proposed project. Several other water impoundments located within the analysis area. The La Boca imgation ditch traverses the northeastern portion of the property, along the base of hill above the Los PiiSos River floodplain. The vegetation community occurring in the analysis area consists of a managed hay fields, Colorado Plateau piiion juniper woodland, and Rocky Mountain lower montane riparian. The vegetation within the proposed gravel pit site is characterized as a hay meadow, dominated by wheat (Triticum spp.), and no trees occur in this area. Several populations of Musk-thistle {Carduus mrtans), Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens), and field bindweed (Comolvulus arvense), were observed within the hay fields of the property. A list of flora species observed in the proposed project azea and a list of wildlife common to the area aze provided as Appendix B. Biological Assessment for the Ignacio Pit at La Boca Carryon 2