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ASSESSMENT OF I `~ nd RECLAMATION/MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS Impact to the wintering bald eagles is of major concern since a communal roost. exists immediately across the river in the W 1/2 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 8, T95, R97W. This area is to be preserved by a conservation easement by the Colorado Department of Highways as partial mitigation for the construction of I-70. Construction activity by highway contracters along the river will be curtailed from November 1 to April 1 to protect wintering bald eagles. Allowing gravel mining in this area during this time would defeat the intent of the conservation easement. Additionally, the stand of trees on the east side of the river is not dense enough to screen human activity from the eagles. Since the parcel is bounded by the interstate on one side, consideration should be given to providing an area (island) on the lake where waterfowl could remain out of view from passing motorists. If certain precautions are taken, mining can occur without long term negative impacts. The Division of Wildlife does not recommend denial of the proposed pit provided the following recommendations are enacted: 1. All cottonwood trees, especially those along the river should not be disturbed. 2. Because of the sparse vegetation, a berm 75-100 feet should separate the river from the pit. 3. No mining should occur from Novermber 1 - April 1 to minimize disturbance to the communal roost. 4. Several islands with native vegetation should be left within the lake to provide nesting areas and escape cover for Waterfowl. 5. Sides of the pit should be irregular with penn- sulas to create an edge effect. 6. A 200 foot area on the north end should be sloped at 5.1 to~provide a mud flat for waterfowl. 7. Revegetation should be done with native shrubs and grasses. MG:cmf