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<br /> <br />Boulder County Nature Association <br />P.O. Box 493, Boulder, Colorado 80306 <br />DOWE FI.A15 REFF.RRAZ{. <br />After reviewing materials provided to us by Southdown, Inc., the Board of Directors of the <br />Boulder County Nature Association (BCNA) would like to offer the following comments <br />concerning the proposed limestone quarry and reservoir at Dowe Flats. <br /> <br />The Dowe Flats/Rabbit Mountain ecosystem is one of only two remaining relatively large, <br />undeveloped areas along the foothills/plains interface of Boulder County. The ecosystem contains a <br />wealth of natural and archaeological resources that should be conserved <br />(1) It is a major concentration area for wintering birds of prey, including bald eagles (federal <br />endangered), golden eagles (federal protected), ferruginous hawks (federal candidate <br />species), prairie falcons (state candidate species), and red-tailed hawks. Research conducted <br />by BCNA over the past ten years indicates that this area and the south county grasslands <br />along McCaslin Blvd. support the highest concentrations of wintering raptors found <br />anywhere in Boulder County. Boulder Audubon Society Christmas Count data indicate that <br />these two areas may support the highest concentrations of wintering ferruginous hawks <br />found anywhere in the U. S, outiide Texas. <br />(2) Dowe Flats supports the lazgest remaining prairie dog colony in Boulder County. This <br />colony (about 800 acres in extent) and other nearby colonies provide a rich prey base for the <br />raptors and for badgers, coyotes, and other mammals. <br />(3) Dowe Flats serves as a foraging area for nesting golden eagles, prairie falcons, and, <br />possibly, peregrine falcons. Three active golden eagle eyries are located within five miles of <br />Dowe Flats. <br />(4) Dowe Flats is a migration comdor for large mammals, including mountain lions and mule <br />deer. <br />(5) The undeveloped grasslands and farmlands of Dowe Flats serve as a physical and visual <br />buffer to the County Open Space on Rabbit Mountain. <br />(6) The Dowe Flats/Rabbit Mountain area contains numerous archaeological sites. The <br />existence of these sites, combined with unobstructed views of the plains, foothills, and <br />mountains, creates a feeling of connection and timelessness. If properly managed, this <br />ecosystem has the potential to become a sort of "living museum," where present and future <br />Boulder County residents can experience a bit of the feeling of pre-settlement life on the high <br />plains. <br />