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The cultivated agricultural area to be mined has been used heavily in the past as a <br />feeding area by Canada geese and other wildlife. This expansion will result in the loss of <br />those habitat values. We recommend contouring of a portion of the resultant lake at a 5:1 <br />ratio in order to replace some of the lost waterfowl foraging habitat. <br />We note that the project will result in the creation of one 56 surface acre pond within <br />the flood plain of the Colorado River. The Division of Wildlife is concerned about the <br />proliferation of non-native fishes in ponds near the river, and the potential for those fish to <br />enter the river system. We recommend that any pond created within the 50-year flood line be <br />bermed to FEMA standards, effectively removing it from the flood plain. We also recommend <br />that the inlets and outlets of ponds occurring at elevations below 6,500' be screened to <br />prevent the movement of non-native fishes into the Colorado River. If de-watering operations <br />will result in the movement of that water into a tributary of the Colorado River, we recommend <br />the pump inlet be screened to prevent the escape of non-native fish. <br />Disturbance of dry upland sites frequently results in invasion by undesirable weedy <br />species. Revegetation as soon as possible after disturbance will reduce the proliferation of <br />undesi~abie-weeds. We encourage the use of native grasses, forbs, shrubs ai7d trees for <br />revegetation. We recommend a change in the revegetation plan to include the planting of <br />native cottonwoods and willow around the perimeter of the pond. Skunkbush sumac and O- <br />wing saltbush are recommended for dry upland areas. Cicer milkvetch is a recommended <br />forb. Because of the propensity for crested wheatgrass to take over and dominate plantings, <br />we recommend it be replaced with bluebunch wheatgrass, western wheatgrass and needle- <br />and-thread grass on the revegetation list. The NRCS can provide a list of seed sources, <br />seeding rates, and planting methods for this site. <br />As always, the Division of Wildlife thanks you for the opportunity to comment on <br />significant wildlife issues. Incorporation of these recommendations into the reclamation plan <br />will reduce negative impacts to wildlife in this important habitat. Please feel free to contact me <br />at (970) 255-6112 if you wish to discuss these issues in greater depth. <br />Sincerely, <br />Paul J. Crt~den <br />__ District Wildlife Manager <br />