2004-04-26_REVISION - M1987064 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 - }` PERMIT APPLICATION REGULAR 112 (AMMENDMENT) EXHIBIT H Wildlife Information 1. (a) Significant wildlife resources include but not limited to are the following. elk, deer, coyote, foxes, raccoons, occasional eagles, ducks, geese and numerous small birds, all of which are migratory wildlife. Some of the more localized species include field mice, squirrels and numerous gophers. (b) Seasonal use of the azea by the above mentioned wildlife is largely migrational. Elk are observed in the winter more often than other times of year, feeding primarily on surrounding properties and seldom staying in one azea for more than a few days. (c) There are no species in the application azea which aze on the threatened or endangered species lists of federal or Colorado state government (d) The existing primary use of the affected area is agriculture. Effects on area wildlife during the proposed operation will be minimal. During and upon completion, the lake should enhance wildlife interests in the Animas River corridor due to creating and exposing the water resource. After it is completed, the lake will be an attraction for wildlife such as elk, deer and other large and small wildlife. It should also provide additional habitat for the duck and goose population within the Animas Valley. To that extent, Ducks Unlimited has expressed an interest in supporting the construction of this project as a water fowl habitat. Agriculture activities will continue during and after the development is completed. Habitat for the local wildlife known as the San Juan National Forest exists within '/a mi. to the east, 1 '/z mi. to the west, and 2 mi. to the north of the proposed development. It encompasses approximately 1,870,000 acres of prime year- round habitat. Migratory activity will coexist since this development does not encompass the entire property. Migratory routes will not be substantially affected due to the close proximity of the Animas River and San Juan National Forest. Noise and human activity due to mining will be kept at minimums. Since the mining activity will only occur between the months of November and April, all impacts will be minimized. During and upon completion, the lake should enhance wildlife interests in the Animas River corridor due to creating and exposing the water resource. After it is completed, the lake will be an attraction for wildlife such as elk, deer and other large and small wildlife. It should also provide additional habitat for the duck and goose population within the Animas Valley. To that extent, Ducks Unlimited has expressed an interest in supporting the construction of this project as a water fowl habitat. Agriculture activities will continue during and after the development is completed.