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r~^'~':e United States Forest Paonia P.O. Box 1030 <br />~~ Department of Service Ranger District N Rio Grande Ave. <br />Agriculture PHONE NO. 970-527-4131 Paonia, CO 81428 <br />FAX 970-527-4151 <br />File Code; 2$20-4 <br />RECEIVED Dace; Angnst 2s, 2oos <br />AU& 2 g 2005 <br />Dear Interested Party, division , <br />s 8 Geology <br />The Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) is inviting public <br />comments on a proposal from Mountain Coal Company, L.L.C. (MCC), to construct <br />approximately 1.6 miles of road (in two separate 0.8 segments) south of Somerset, CO (see <br />attached map). <br />These roads will provide access to MCC surface operations. One of the proposed roads, named <br />the Sylvester Gulch Extension is within T. 13 S, R. 90 W., 6`~ PM, Sections 27 and 28, with a <br />proposed length of 0.8 miles connecting an existing road on mine property to the existing NFSR <br />711.A1 (West Flatiron Road). The other proposal, named the Long Draw Saddle Extension, is <br />0.8 miles in length connecting NFSR 711 (Dry Fork Rd), and NFSR 711.A2 (Long Draw Saddle <br />Rd) in T. 13 S, R. 90 W., 6`h PM, Sections 34 and 35. The Long Draw Saddle Extension is <br />currently an ATV trail. <br />Surface disturbance for the construction of the Sylvester Gulch Extension is expected to be <br />___ _ __appcoximately 3.H8, actES. _Surface_dish_irbance for the Logg Draw Saddle Extension is expected <br />to be approximately 2.9 acres. <br />Construction is expected during the summer of 2006. The operating life of the roads is expected <br />to be the life of the West Elk Mine (currently estimated to be the year 2020). The proposal also <br />includes that NFSR 711.A1 (West Flatiron Rd), NFSR 711.2B (Horse Gulch Rd), NFSR 711.A2 <br />(Long Draw Saddle Rd), and NFSR 711.A2A (Upper Sylvester Rd), all be extended to life of <br />mine roads. <br />The GMUG will be conducting an environmental analysis in accordance with the National <br />Environmental Policy Act on this proposal. You may submit comments in writing to the Paonia <br />District OCfice, ATTN: MCC Proposal, PO Box 1030, Paonia CO 81428, or via electronic mail <br />to rztavlor cz-fs.fed.us . If you have questions or need additional information please contact the <br />District Office at (970) 527-4131. All comments must be received by September 26, 2005. <br />Sincerely, <br />// <br />`~~ ~~~~%~~W <br />/.~n./ LEVI I~. BR YLES <br />U" District Ranger <br />lJ S <br />~ ~ <br />Caring for the Land and Serving People Prm~ea o~ Reov~iea Pane, <br />