2005-08-12_REVISION - M2004009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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very unlikely that owls would be present since they migrate out of the state during the winter. The Division suggests aground-nesting bird survey prior to construction if the activity is going to take place any time between March 1 and October 31. The proposed additional mining operations and new construction will affect about 145 acres of wildlife habitat. Once mining is complete, reclamation efforts could have significantly positive impacts to wildlife. In particulaz, reservoirs that will be created could provide habitat to a vaziety of wildlife species. To maximize this potential, the CDOW recommends construction of islands that are 15 ft. x 25 ft. in size per 2 surface acres of water. These islands provide cover and nesting habitat for waterfowl and mammals. We also recommend that shorelines and the bottom of the reservoir be irregularly contoured. Shallow slopes of 4H:1 V with some areas having slopes no steeper than 8H:1 V will allow for establishment of aquatic vegetation for invertebrates, fish, and waterfowl. Along with gadual, irregular shorelines, we recommend re-vegetation of the shoreline with native trees, shrubs, and wetland species. This will stabilize banks as well as allow for establishment of habitat that is beneficial to waterfowl and aquatic species. There are several mature cottonwoods on the proposed site. The trees provide valuable hunting and nesting habitat for raptors and other birds and the CDOW recommends that they be preserved. If any trees or shrubs must be removed during mining operations, we recommend they be placed in the reservoir upon completion of mining. These submerged structures will provide habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife. Also, we recommend replacing removed trees with like-sized trees of the same kind on a 1:1 basis. If it is not feasible to replace the large, mature cottonwoods on a 1:1 basis, we recommend replacing them with smaller trees on a 3:1 basis. During reclamation efforts, the CDOW recommends planting native grasses, trees, and shrubs in a mix on the landscape. The spread and control of noxious weeds on the site is a concern of the CDOW and for wildlife. We recommend that a weed control and monitoring program is created before any ground is disturbed during construction. Large weed infestations should be treated prior to project implementation. Heavy equipment used in construction activities should be inspected for weed material before entering the site, and again before relocating to another area. Native vegetation or a native seed mix should be applied to disturbed areas to establish the growth of desirable plant species. Thank you for this opportunity to review the application. If you have any questions, please contact District Wildlife Manager Windi Lassiter at (303) 291-7117. The Colorado Division of Wildlife will be available to help during the reclamation process to improve the wildlife value of the site. Sincerely, < ~~ o~ scoff Dover Northeast Regional Wildlife Manager Colorado Division of Wildlife