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The Division wishes to offer the follow suggestions and recommendations regarding this permit application. First, mining adjacent to Spring Branch should be set back a minimum of 100' to minimize impacts to this drainage and to the associated wetland/riparian habitat. Reclamation of the site should also remediate negative impacts to this drainage as a result of the 110 (c) operation and side slopes along the east bank should be reshaped to 3H:1V. Additionally, this drainage is within an area identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as potential Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse habitat. Contact should be made with Mr. Peter Plage at (303-275-2309) and consukation/clearanee obtained prior to further impacts. Also, the current creek crossing should be repaired and upgraded to minimize impacts to the stream and conform with anticipated loaded vehicle weights. We would also recommend that NRCS recommendations regarding erosion control, sloping, and seeding be made a formal part of the application and incorporated into the mining and reclamation portions of the plan. Further, berms and siRation basins should also be incorporated into the mining plan to minimize potential erosion problems, especially impacts to the wetland/riparian vegetation associated with Spring Branch. Finally, the Ponderosa Pine woodland should be inventoried and harvested prior to mining, stumps and root balls appropriately disposed of off-site, and ponderosa pine should be made a part of the reclamation seed mix. Harvest and removal of the ponderosa pine should not be done during the nesting season. We do believe the size of the individual Sections (8.5 acres) outlined in the mining and reclamation plan is appropriate artd should minimize the amount of exposed soils and disturbance. The phasing of the operation should be formally adopted as part of the mining plan and bonded accordingly so that no more than 17 acres are disturbed at any one time. The juxtaposition of the ponderosa pine woodland and riparian/wetland drainage makes this a fairly unique resource from a wildlife perspective. All measures that can be taken to minimize associated impacts and disturbance, and maximize reclamation potential to return the site to pre-mining vegetative condition vrill assist greatly with maintaining long term wildlife resource values. The Division appreciates having the opportunity to comment on this application. Please feel free to call me at (719)2275227 should you have any questions or require additional information. Sincerely, David C. Habitat E Cc: Reid DeWalt, DWM file