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Page 2 Colorado River endangered fish species. The Service will provide a biological opinion on the subject project within the time frames required in section 7 regulations. Lowland riparian habitat provides habitat for more species than any other habitats identified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife's latilong data. The island in the Colorado River provides a valuable lowland riparian wildlife habitat, including a heron rookery and bald eagle habitat. The Service supports the exclusion of this island from the mining plan. The riparian area between the existing agricultural fields and the river also provides a valuable wildlife habitat. The Service supports leaving these areas as a buffer between the mining area and the river. After the site is opener up to the Colorado River, when mining is completed, and with implementation of the proposed reclamation plan, the Service believes that the riverine wetlands and riparian areas will have the opportunity to become established. Many species of fish and wildlife should benefit from restoring the mined area to the Colora~Jo River floodplain, The Environmental Asses:,ment (page 2-2) states that livestock will be excluded from the mining and wetland mitigation areas until vegetatioh becomes reestablished and the Corps confirms that an acceptable mitigation goal has been reached. Wetlar;d mitigation should be in perpetuity: therefore, management of livestock to avoid wetland impacts must also be in perpetuity. The Service appreciates the early coordination of the applicant on this project. If the Service can be of further assistance, please contact Patty Schrader Gelatt at the letterhead address i~r (97D) 243-2778. ncerely, ~d~ Susan T. Moyer U Assistant Colorado Field Supervisor pc: CDDW, Grand Junction CDOH, Denver (Attn: John Farrow) CDE, Grand Junction EPA, Denver (Attn: Sarah Fowler) FWS/ES, Lakewood a0eratt:5Ea9re.ao4:040~5