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disturbance/removal of sagebrush from the surrounding landscapes. We would recommend that the re-establishment <br />of sagebrush and native grasses/forts into the vegetative community post-mining would be an important component <br />of the reclamation plan for this proposed site, in order to provide future sage grouse habitat. The Watson/Amick pit <br />expansion location is within an area of great importance to mule deer and elk during winter months and also to sage <br />grouse during the winter and early spring seasons. <br />We would recommend restoring native grass, fort, and shrub vegetation to the site in order to m;n;m~~e negative long- <br />termwildlife related impacts. The grass seeding recommendation supplied by the Natural Resource Conservation <br />Service for reclamation of this proposed site lacks diversity of native plant species (i.e., shmbs and forts). The <br />CDOW recommends that a mix of native grass, forts, and shrub seeds be used to reclaim the area after each phase of <br />the mining operation is wmplete, rather than using the grass seed mix proposed by NRCS. L` the CDMG would like a <br />list of native vegetation species to include in the seed mix for reclamation of this site, the CROW will be glad to <br />provide that information to them. The CDO W would also recommend that weeds be managed on the site throughout <br />the mining operation and especially during post-mining reclamation. <br />We would anticipate that long-term impacts to wildlife from the proposed Watson/Amick pit expansion should be <br />minimal as long as proper seeding and reclamation practices are incorporated on this site. Thank you for the <br />opportunity to comment on this proposal. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. <br />SinceArely~~ ~~ <br />Bill de Vergie <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />Meeker, CO. <br />(970)878-6061 <br />