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I ~ c.b m June 12, 2006 Mined Land Reclamation Board 1313 Sherman Street, Rm. 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 m- i9~8'- ?~~~ ~c~v,~~ ~he Ranches at Five Pine Mesa C/O PO Box 1077 JUN i 51QD6 ~ bipisionotMine~atsandCeologr Edwards, Co 81632 970 638 1050 _ _ _ . Re: ,_ King Mountain Gravel, LLC -Application for Con_v_ersi_on of Section 110 Permit to Seetion 112 Permit ~~ y Deaz Board Members: The Ranches at Five Pine Mesa consists of about 1200 acres comprised of nine large individual parcels and 40 acres of shared permanent open space. This property is in close proximity to the gravel pit operated by King Mountain Gravel, LLC ("King Mountain") that is at issue in the above-referenced proceeding. We are writing to express our opposition to the Permit Conversion Application. We appreciate the opportunity to let you know that we will suffer substantial loss to legitimate economic, aesthetic, recreational, and conservation interests. If the proposed expansion is approved, the value of our land and our use and enjoyment of it will be adversely affected. A large portion or our land is under conservation easements with Yampa Valley land Trust and the rest under restrictive covenants in order to preserve open space and wildlife habitat. The value of those conservation agreements will be substantially diminished if the gravel pit expansion is approved. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has stated that "There is an extremely high probability that significant negative impacts will result to species of special concern, interest, or economic importance associated with those habitats found on the proposed site or those properties adjacent to the proposed site" if the gravel pit is expanded. The land is used-for recreational purposes, including-hiking, hunting and horsebackriding.- This land is in a prime wildlife corridor. Hunting revenue supports much of the local economy. The reduction of that recreational use will have a related negative economic effect. Our properties are located in Egeria Park ahighly-valued scenic area that is enjoyed by guests from around the country and in fact around the world, other Routt County residents, and various Colorado conservation and environmental groups, for its wildlife, aesthetic beauty, and ecological conservation. A gravel pit expansion will adversely affect the aesthetics of the ranches and the enjoyment of the surrounding lands. /;~- The proposed gavel pit expansion will have a severe and detrimental impact on the Sage and Sharptail Grouse populations in its vicinity. These species have been proposed for "Endangered Species" designation. Egeria Park is an area that has had millions of dollars invested in it by