1992-12-31_REVISION - M1982131 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 (`J at the Island Grove site should not disturb this roost either. Parcel B at this site contains irrigated pasture/crop land. Consequently, this area is of marginal value to wildlife. Waste grain left after harvest provides food for wildlife. Ditch banks and culverts probably provide den sites for striped skunk, fox, and other small mammals. Conversion of Parcel B to a gravel pond for recreational purposes could actually be considered an enhancement in terms of fishery/wildlife value. The Division would recommend the following to maximize the rec- reational/wildlife potential for this site after mining is complet- ed: 1 . The riparian area adjacent to the river should not be mined. It provides important habitat for wildlife and potential for an interpretive trail. 2. The berm/road situated along the north shore of the large pond should be removed. Fill from this berm could be used to decrease the steepness of the slope along the north shore of the pond. It would also provide a more natural transition from the riparian area into the pond. The result would be a safer shore for fishermen and an increased riparian zone. 3. Sloping along the north shore should be banked at 5: 1 or shallower to increase wetland edge. 4. Other shoreline areas should have a variety of slope ratios. This would create shoreline heterogeneity. Shallow transition areas would provide habitat for emergent aquatic vegetation, while the steeper areas would provide easy access for fishermen. For safety purposes, maximum slope should be 3:1 . 5. Shorelines should be highly irregular. Pond bottoms should also be irregular with steep areas interspersed with shallows and shoals. Shoals provide important spawning habitat for fish. As the water level receeds throughout the year shallows will become exposed providing feeding and loafing areas for turtles, shorebirds and other waterbirds. 6. Large and small islands should be left in the pond( s) to provide resting/nesting space. 7. Trees should not be removed unless necessary. Large trees that must be removed should be kept on site for reclammation. Trunks from trees can be placed in the pond bottom to provide fish structure. Alternatively, the trees can be placed in the pond shallows to provide loafing areas for amphibians reptiles and birds. 8. Reclammation plans should include replacement of harvested trees on a minimum 1 :1 basis. Replacement trees should include a variety of species suitable to riverbottom areas.