REV95789

• Permit No: M1987038
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 11/1/1993
• Doc Name: REGULAR OPERATION 112 RECLAMATION PERMIT APPLICATION FORM
• Type & Sequence: AM2
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Wildlife Mitigation Plan
Gosney and Sons, Inc Gravel Mining Operations
Bayfield, Colorado
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to discuss the plans of Gosney
and Sons, Inc to mitigate the effects to wildlife of the proposed
mining operations in Phases 2 and 3 of the Master Plan. In
addition, by virtue of its proximity, it will include mitigation
efforts in portions of the previously mined area, Phase 1.
ns this plan will indicate, we are willing to incorporate
wildlife enhancing measures with our regular reclamation
procedures. Measures to mitigate the effects of the mining
operation, the proposed reclamation activities and the conceptual
pond and shoreline design will also be discussed.
Existing Wildlife Habitat
Four general types of wildlife habitat occur within and adjacent
to the project area: 1) terrestrial habitat associated with
Gambel Oak vegetation; 2) habitat for species requiring open
water, that was created by the previous mining activities; 3)
wetlands located to the west and south of the project area;
and 4) riparian and riverine habitat that is associated with
the Pine River, further west. This plan primarily addresses
the terrestrial habitat that will be interrupted by the mining
processes, but also addresses the water and shoreline habitat
as this habitat is created by the mining operation.
Mining activities would primarily occur in the areas consisting
of Gambel oak vegetation. This area consists of a relatively
open canopy and contains chokecherry, serviceberry and hawthorne
with a few scattered ponderosa pine trees. Wildlife species
that would be affected by the mining activities would include
those that require this type of habitat. The Colorado Division
of Wildlife has provided a list of species from its database
that could potentially occur in riparian and agricultural lands
of La Plata County, Colorado. From this list, it is predicted
that species that may occur in the Gambel oak habitat of the
project area include mule deer, Merriam's turkey, blue grouse,
Nuttall's cottontail, least chipmunk, red squirrel, northern
pocket gopher, brush mouse, vole species, porcupine, coyote,
red fox, raccoon, skunk, bobcat, snake species, and a variety
of small bird species.
A pair of bald eagles has been observed approximately 0.75 miles
south of the existing pond by the Colorado Division of Wildlife;
although they apparently have built a nest, they reportedly
have not produced any young. At this time we know of no
particular actions we can take to assist the eagles.
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