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<br />STATE OF COIARADO
<br />Roy Romer, Governor
<br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
<br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
<br />AN EQUAL OPPORNNnY EMPLAYER
<br />John W. Mumma, Director
<br />6060 Broadway
<br />Denver, Colorado 60216
<br />Telephone: (303) 297-1192
<br />Bill Clark, Biologist
<br />711 Independent Avenue
<br />Grand Junction, CO 81505
<br />(970)248-7178-186
<br />FAX (970)243-4611
<br />RECEII/ED
<br />Mr. Michael Boulay
<br />Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology
<br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215
<br />Denver, CO 80203
<br />RE: West Elk Mine Permit Revision Application 7
<br />Deaz Mr. Boulay:
<br />JAN 2 91997
<br />DIVIS100 O1 Wlil Wlais a hHUi' 0`.'
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<br />For Vie-'
<br />For People
<br />January 24, 1997
<br />Disvict Wildlife Manager Kirk Madriaga and I have visited the West Elk Mine and met with mine officials regarding the
<br />Sylvester Gulch Facilities Area. We participated in a brief "windshield" tour of Sylvester Gulch in the azea proposed to
<br />be disturbed. Westec Inc. Report NO. 1619 attached to your letter of December 4, 1996 was also reviewed.
<br />These comments are submitted beyond the January 20, 1997 deadline for which I apologize. We agree with findings of
<br />no threatened or endangered species use of wildlife habitats in the Sylvester Gulch azea. Other wildlife impacts are not
<br />expected due to elevation, slope, aspect and similar vegetation associations in nearby abtmdance. Sufficient wildlife
<br />habitat exists immediately adjacent to the azea proposed for disturbance to support local wildlife populations.
<br />Noted in the field and verified by Westec are Acer negwtdo, Popular angustifoliq and Cormr,Y serteea (bozelder,
<br />ttarrowleaf cottonwood, and red-osier dogwood). This association is considered raze and unique in certain portions of
<br />its range Whether or not [hat includes this location could probably be verified by The Na[ure Conservancy or Colorado
<br />Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University.
<br />In most instances, stabilization and remediation of disturbed soils is most important. Preference for certified swains of
<br />native plane including grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees is recommended. Certain instances may require use of
<br />naturalized, introduced species. Both types can be selected for value to wildlife. This can be discussed further if you
<br />wish or feel is warranted or necessary.
<br />Recent changes in organizational structure have occurred in the Division of Wildlife (DOW). My current responsibility
<br />includes coordination of all Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) requests and notices to DOW on the western slope
<br />and North Park. The list of counties is Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson,
<br />la Plata, Mesa, Moffat, Montezttma, Ottray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel, and Summit
<br />which number 22. Please note that all correspondence with Robert Caskey and Robert Towry, Regional Wildlife
<br />Managers, Hal Burdick, Bob Clazk, or Rick Sherman, all of DOW, should now be directed to me for the above listed
<br />counties at my Grand ]unction address. Please don't hesitate to contact me with regard to this or other matters related to
<br />wildlife.
<br />Sincerely,
<br />~~t~t
<br />Bill Clark
<br />zc: Caskey, Bob Clazk, Madriaga, Towry, Sherman
<br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, James LorJrhead, Executive Direrlor
<br />WD.DLIFE COMMISSION, Aroold Salazar, Chairman • Rebeco Irrank, Vlce-Chair • Mark LeValley, Secretary
<br />Louts Swig, Member • Rer. Jesse L. Boyd, Jr., Member • John Slulp, Member • James R. Long, Member • Chuck Lewis, Member
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