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gullies and lake shorelines aze fundamentally stable. The lakes can occasionally experience significant <br />algal blooms, but that is fairly normal for young lakes such as these. In time, as the limnological <br />environment improves, algal blooms will become less common. <br />In conclusion, State Pazks desires to accept the land in the paztially revegetated condition. <br />But, as is indicated in the enclosed agreements, weed control by Transit Mix of Pueblo will continue <br />through May 4, 2006. This will include primazily mowing tumbleweeds, treating the Whitetop and <br />managing the Tamarix and Russian Olive. Therefore, Transit Mix of Pueblo will continue to hold <br />responsibility for completion of these tasks, but, under the agreement, that responsibility will be to <br />Colorado State Parks rather than the Division of Minerals and Geology, if the release request is <br />granted. <br />Supporting Documents: Enclosed is a map showing the entire site and the status of the vazious <br />parcels of land. Although the release history for this site is complex, this release request is for a total of <br />] 04.67 acres of land not previously released. If approved, this will effectively complete the release of <br />permitted lands located south of the Arkansas River. The remaining affected land north of the river, <br />other than that released previously for the fisheries habitat improvement, will remain under bond. That <br />land will total 129.25 acres. <br />An oblique aerial photo shows the land included in the request as well as its relationship to <br />surrounding land uses. The photo also shows the site's relationship to the Nature Center, the wildlife <br />area, and Lake Pueblo State Pazk. <br />Documents are also included that detail the obligations of Transit Mix of Pueblo to complete <br />certain work that Colorado State Parks desires to have completed. These documents also include a <br />status summary of what has been done and what is yet to be completed. Note that there is an obligation <br />in these documents to continue weed control efforts through May 4, 2006. <br />Conclusion: In light of the various aspects described above and the obvious linkages of this site to <br />existing nature recreation and education facilities immediately adjacent to this site, it is requested that <br />the request for release of these lands be approved. Continued cooperative work between the operator <br />and Colorado State Pazks is assured and with the land in the ownership of Colorado State Parks it <br />appears that there will be sufficient control over the future of the site that there is little risk to the Mined <br />Land Reclamation Board that approval of the request would result in the creation of a less than <br />desirable end product. <br />Appeal of Denial -Pueblo West Pit M-1977-573 mailed: September 30, 2004 Page 3 of 3 <br />