2007-09-11_REVISION - M1997054 (2)

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Habitat losses associated with the gravel extraction azea are expected to be minor, and diminishing with time. The major wildlife impact would be on mule deer from these habitat losses. A small 64 acre reduction in their winter pinion/juniper habitat and 175 acres of early spring foraging habitat would result. Adverse impacts to the local mule deer population is expected to be minor due to the limited acreage disturbed and the lack of any crucial habitats. Habitat losses may not only be reduced but improved over time as mule deer become acclimated to operational activities. Mule deer tolerance to mining activities has been demonstrated throughout the Rocky Mountain region as long as they are not exposed to human harassment or hunting pressure. CO Fish and Wildlife identified the mountain to the west of permit area as the eastern limit to known bighorn sheep in the area, (Personal Communication, Site Visit, Chris Kloster, Habitat Biologist, DOW, 8/97). Like mule deer, bighorn sheep have also demonstrated the ability to adapt to mining operations as long as they do not associate harassment or hunting with the mining operation (MacCallum 1988, 1992). Any adverse impacts to mule deer or unknown bighorn sheep resulting from habitat losses of grassland (spring foraging) habitat or piiion/juniper (winter) habitat could be signifficantly mitigated by reducing livestock grazing pressure within the permit area. As indicated previously, the pemut area has been heavily grazed by livestock in the past. {Also, Personal Communication, Site Visit, Chris Kloster, Habitat Biologist, DOW, August 1997). If the current level of ranch livestock grazing pressure is maintained, the improvement and/or maintenance of forage conditions in undisturbed areas could readily offset any habitat losses associated with the proposed operation. The applicant plans to continue the Harvey Ranch as a working ranch with both reduced grazing acres and livestock. Another wildlife concem with the proposed operation is possible disruption of fish movement between the Arkansas River and a possible fisheries habitat in upstream portions of the Tallahassee Creek between Cottonwood and Kern creeks. However, concerns of detrimental impacts to fish migration patterns due to existing stream crossings were not expressed by Fish and Wildlife at the time of their design. "In Agile Stone's 20Aug971etter to the Division of Minerals and Geology, DOW indicated concem that the proposed road crossings which bisect Tallahassee Creek could potentially impact fish movement and spawning activity. The current design to "bridge" the road crossings adequately addresses these concerns and should mitigate potential impacts. Based on our review, DOW anticipates minimal impacts to fish movement and spawning activity." Chris Kloster, Biologist and Ron Desilet, Regional Manager, 11/30/97 Front Ronge Aggregates, LLC- Padulale Quarry DMG / I2 Permit Amendment Page 34