2006-06-13_REVISION - M2004009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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B. Keffelew June 13. 2006 hunting perches ai least during the winter. The word "roost" can also be used to refer to communal overnight winter roosts, which are trees used by several bald eagles continuously for overnight roosting for at least two or three weeks during the winter. There is no formal definition stating the number of eagles necessary for a tree to be considered a winter communal roost or stating the length of time that a tree must be used to be considered a winter communal roost. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has indicated that they are concerned about activities that affect communal winter roosts. They generally do not take action over effects to hunting or feeding perches (Personal communication between P. Davis, Weiland, Inc. and P. Plage, USFWS, Lakewood, CO, September 15, 2005). Asphalt specialties will work with the CDOW and the USFWS to design a field survey that will determine whether cottonwood trees in the permit amendment area are used as a communal winter roost. Asphalt Specialties will then conduct the survey during the winter of 2006-2007. If the survey results indicate the trees are a communal winter roost Asphalt Specialties will consult with the CDOW and USFWS to design an appropriate mitigation plan. At this time it is anticipated mitigation would include seasonal mining near the trees and an appropriate buffer around the trees during the winter. The CDOW mentions Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus huclsonius preblei) as a species they would expect to find on the site. Trapping surveys for this species performed in 2000 failed to find this species present. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded in 2004 that Preble's meadow jumping mouse is unlikely to occur on the site. This conclusion was based on the 2000 trapping survey as well as other surveys performed on Boulder Creek near the project area. CDOW also expressed concern about potential use of the project area by burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia). No surveys have been performed for this species. Asphalt Specialties will have a burrowing owl survey performed at the start of each nesting season in the areas that will be mined during that nesting season. CDOW requested that prairie dogs on the site be either relocated or humanely killed prior to mining. Asphalt Specialties has no plans to relocate prairie dogs or to euthanize them prior to mining. CDOW made several suggestions with regard to grading and landscaping in and around the reservoir and pond to be left after mining. The northern reservoir on the site will be used for water storage. Water levels in this reservoir may exhibit a great deal of variability throughout the year as water is drawn down and replaced. Asphalt Specialties believes that grading and landscaping this reservoir to accommodate wildlife and fish is not practical. The southern pond will have an irregular shape. The use of the water in this pond has not yet been determined. If the final use is not for water storage, Asphalt Specialties will be willing to discuss habitat improvement measures with the CDOW prior to pond constriction. CDOW suggests revegetating with native plants and controlling weeds. A reclamation plan was submitted to and approved by the DMG (See Exhibit E in the DMG application). The plan includes the seed mixture for revegetation and a weed control ~l'an`~. ~~~_I Weiland. Inc. environmental & Engineering