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<br />With respect to revegetation plans, there aze a lot of interesting approaches Colowyo has <br />under consideration to enhance diversity, woody plant establishment and wildlife habitat. <br />Combinations of soil and overburden handling, topographic diversity, specialized seed <br />mixes, strip-seeding, etc. are all possible methods Colowyo considering. Colowyo did <br />not specifically mention fencing, but all the evidence the Division has seen over the years <br />is that establishment of aspen and tall shrub species such as servicebeny and chokecherry <br />is futile without fencing. <br />Wildlife <br />Baseline wildlife studies have been planned for the spring of 2006. The proposed study <br />azea includes the permit azea and atwo-mile buffer zone outside the azea. <br />The main concern for the DOW with regazds to wildlife was the loss of habitat <br />(especially the high quality summer habitat) for sage grouse. There will need to be <br />detailed plans for reclamation to return these lands to usable habitat as well as possible <br />short-term mitigation due to loss of habitat. Nothing was decided at this meeting and it <br />appeazs that a concrete mine plan will allow for more in depth discussions. <br />It was noted that there was extensive Columbian Sharptail Grouse habitat in the azea. <br />Elk and deer migration was also a concern for DOW. The migration route for the lazge <br />elk herd is east to west through Collom Gulch. Mining will, obviously, disrupt this <br />pattern for some time. The main migration concern was in regazds to the proposed <br />overland conveyor to the Gossard Loadout. The conveyor would cut right across the elk <br />and deer's migration path. Colowyo thought that crossing every 1,000 feet would solve <br />this problem. Having the conveyor elevated would completely eliminate the problem. <br />There was no concern over loss of habitat as this area is very small in relation to the <br />overall habitat. Additional discussions on this issue will be necessary. <br />Archaeological <br />TRC Mariah completed a block cleazance inside the proposed Collom mine permit <br />boundary. They identified one eligible site on the southern edge of the permit and four <br />sites that require additional investigation. All of these sites are outside the currently <br />proposed pit azeas. <br />Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (303) 866-4929. <br />Sincerely, <br />James R. Stark <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />