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Colorado Yamoa Coal Comnanv. oe. 2 <br />I have been involved in both complete compliance inspections and bond release <br />inspections at this operation for several years. All completed reclamation activities and <br />on-the-ground performance complies with the approved permit and permit conditions, <br />and the information in this nomination accurately reflects current site conditions. There <br />are no other mining and reclamation activities at the site which would detract from the <br />reclamation activities presented in the nomination package. This operation historically <br />and presently enjoys an exemplary compliance record and there has never been a problem <br />here with outstanding violations or a record of not abating violations. I believe that as a <br />result of the innovative reclamation techniques and compliance history noted above, this <br />operation received the 2000 Reclaimed Coal Mine Award from the Colorado DMG. <br />Throughout my years of inspection activity at this site, I have always been impressed <br />with the number and variety of wildlife I have observed utilizing the reclamation areas. <br />Elk, deer, fox, many rodents, raptors, and upland game bird species all attest to the <br />success and variety of habitat provided by the reclamation techniques noted above. As <br />additional documentation of this high quality wildlife habitat, I enclose copies of a recent <br />newspaper article from the Steamboat Springs Pilot which highlights how these diverse <br />reclamation areas now support surprising numbers of the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife researchers have documented within [he reclamation areas <br />the highest densities of sharp-tails anywhere in their range, which is an incredible <br />accomplishment and shows there is better habitat here now than there was prior to <br />mining. Success of the permittee's grazing management program, documented in the <br />nomination package, also demonstrates reclamation areas capable of easily sustaining <br />multiple use. Mr. Rick Mills, Environmental Manager for the operation, is currently <br />discussing public access to portions of the reclaimed lands with the Division of Wildlife. <br />This public access would allow viewing of the sharp-tails annual spring "mating dance", <br />and most importantly provide both increased public awareness of the Surface Mining <br />Law, and an important long-term benefit to the corrtmuni[y. <br />Finally, this operation enjoys the highest number of completely released Phase II and <br />Phase III bond release acreage in both the Northwest Colorado Region and within the <br />State. I believe this demonstrates the permittee's commitment to achieve reclamation <br />success and demonstrate their success through the bond release process. DFD again <br />strongly concurs with the Colorado DMG recommendation that this operation be <br />considered for the 2001 National Coal Mining and Reclamation Award and the Director's <br />Award. <br />Please contact me with any questions concerning this nomination. You can contact me at <br />haustin@osmre.eov or (303) 844-1400 X1466. <br />cc: Rick Mills, CYCC <br />Janet Binns, DMG <br />Brent Wahlquist, OSMIWRCC <br />