2004-12-06_REVISION - M1977472 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCloskey, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 October 22, 2004 Nelson Selcer Jackson County Road and Bridge Supervisor 188 Grant Street Walden, Co 80480 Dear Mr. Selcer, For Wildlffe- ForPeople On behalf of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, I thank you for [he opportunity to provide input into the expansion of the BLM East (12E) gravel pit located in Jackson County. District Wildlife Manager Josh Dilley has reviewed the map you sent and made a visit to the site and has provided the following comments. The azea is home [o many species of wildlife including coyotes, badgers, songbirds, and a variety of raptors. Our wildlife resource maps indicate that this area serves as significant habitat for five economically important species of wildlife. These species aze: Greater Sage Grouse (overall range, winter range, and production range), Pronghorn (overall range, winter range, and severe winter range), Elk (winter range), Mule Deer (migration route) and White-tailed Prairie Dogs (overall range). These species depend on the sagebmsh ecosystem during various seasons of the year. One species of concern is the Greater Sage Grouse. The nearest Greater Sage Grouse lek is approximately one-half miles to the west of the site. Minimizing gravel production operations during the breeding season (March-May) may lessen any negative impacts the gravel pit site could have on breeding birds. Nesting birds maybe impacted by the operation but should find suitable nesting habitat in adjacent undisturbed sagebmsh areas. The expansion of the BLM Eas[ gravel pit will eliminate several acres of sagebrush habitat and displace wildlife from the site for the period of development, however, sufficient habitat exists adjacent [o the proposed site to support the wildlife displaced by the gravel pit operation. If [he site is to be fenced, please consider a fence that would allow wildlife to pass through easily, while keeping domestic livestock out of the area of operation. A four-wire fence would be sufficient. A fence that would accomplish these tasks would consist of a smooth top and bottom wire with wire spacing (From top to bottom) of 42 inches, 30 inches, 23 inches, and 16 inches. The two middle wires could be bazbed. Successful reclamation with native vegetation would return the area to useable wildlife habitat at the completion of gravel development. Based upon on site observations and current wildlife habitat data, the Division of Wildlife does not anticipate any significant impacts to wildlife on this gravel pit site, nor does it fmd any threatened or endangered species which would be affected by this gravel pit constmction. Sincerely, i_ 1 ~~~~ GU.~u>.~ Susan Werner Area Wildlife Manager DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Philip James, Chair • Jeffrey Crawford, Vice-Chair • Brad Phelps, Secretary Members, Bernard Black • Tom Burke • Rick Enstrom • Claire O' Neal • Robert Shoemaker • Ken Tortes Ex Officio Members, Russell George and Don Ament