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• (,J c~d ~ ~ =r~rorm~ o <br />STATE OF COLORADO h <br />13111 Owens, Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />NJ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />John W. Mumma, Director <br />6060 Broadway <br />Denver, Colorado 60276 <br />Tblephone: (303)297-1792 <br />Mr. Tony Appelhanz <br />Base Products <br />62339 W. La Salle Road <br />Montrose, CO 81401 <br />Re~e1veq <br />SEp z 1 ?OOU <br />Divis~~ at ~nF~~kj& Gep ~ <br />Dear Mr. Appelhanz: <br />~o.~ e f <br />For Wi/dlift- <br />ForPropk <br />July 20, 2000 <br />I am writing in reply to your request for wildlife comments on the proposed expansion to the existing <br />special use petmit for Base Products "Gravel Pit # 1 ". <br />A site inspection was conducted by myself and Jim Gamer on July 19's, and it is our opinion that the <br />proposed expansion will have few negative effects on wildlife. The tract expansion that lies directly to <br />the east of the existing pit has not been irrigated for some time, and the vegetation is extremely sparse, <br />The proposed pit expansion to the northwest appears to lie primarily on a gravel outcrop, which has <br />never been cultivated and also has little vegetation. This lack of cover, and existing disturbances from <br />current operations, makes the area in and around the proposed expansion rather poor wildlife habitat. <br />While the main areas slated for mining lack good wildlife habitat, the hillsides within and below the <br />permit area are thickly vegetated, and do provide food and cover for a number of wildlife species. It is <br />our suggestion that every effort be made to preserve the vegetation (trees and shrubs} that exist on the <br />hillside now. As we currently understand the proposal, roughly 1/3 of the upper hillside will be <br />removed during mining operations. As the best habitat lies below this level, this should not cause <br />excessive impacts. However, in order to preserve what is left, we suggest that no spoils, topsoil or base <br />material be pushed over the edge of the hill, or into the draws. It is our belief this can be done with a <br />minimum of effort by the operator, and will significantly reduce soil erosion, as well as preserve some <br />wildlife habitat. <br />If you have any questions regarding our comments, please feel free to contact me in the Montrose Office <br />(970-252-6000). <br />Sincer <br />e~--~ <br />Dale Coven <br />District Wildlife Manager <br />Area 18 <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg Weldler, Exealive Oirepor <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Bernard L BWdc, Jr., Chairman • Ride Ertistrom, VieeCAieirtnan • Pftdip James, Seaelary <br />