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IlVIPACTS OF MINING, RECLAMATION, AND WATER STORAGE/DEVEI,OPMENT Mining and Reclamation The mining activities proposed by Southdown, Inc., would adversely impact the integrity of the Dowe Flats/Rabbit Mountain ecosystem. In this regard, perhaps the most significant potential threat entailed by mining is habitat fragmentation, resulting in a concomitant deterioration in the value of the area as a foraging ground for raptors and animal migration corridor. Mining would also compromise Dowe Flats as a buffer zone for Rabbit Mountain County Open Space, and would encroach upon one of the few remaining large, unobstructed plains landscapes remaining in the County. The phasing of mining operations and reclamation plan proposed by Southdown would help reduce these impacts, and BCNA appreciates Southdown's efforts to identify and ameliorate the effects of their proposed activities. Salient features of their proposal and reclamation plan include (1) Only 100 acres would be mined at any one time. Reclamation/replanting would proceed concurrently with mining. (2) At all times over the life of the project, 75% of the prairie dog population at Dowe Flats would not be directly jeopardized by mining. (3) Existing agricultwal land would be restored to native prairie. Given a strict adherence to this plan, BCNA agrees, in general, with the conclusion of Southdown's consultants that the wildlife values of Dowe Flats would be moderately impacted by mining. However, the statement that reclamation would "enhance the aesthetic and ecosystem values of the valley .... and greatly improve wildlife habitat" is unsubstantiated and probably overstated. Water Storage and Future Development Southdown also seeks zoning approval for a possible dam and reservoir at Dowe Flats, which it claims is a compatible land use to post-mining reclamation. BCNA strongly disagrees with this philosophy and this aspect of their petition. A large reservoir at Dowe Flans is incompatible with preserving the natural features identified at the beginning of our comments. Furthermore, a water project superimposed on mining reclamation efforts obviously negates the value of even the most conscientious reclamation plan. In addition, it is the understanding of our Board that Southdown, together with a partner who does not appeaz on this application, may intend a companion residential development or golf- course, in conjunction with the reservoir. It is likely that future housing development would also adversely impact the Dowe Flats/Rabbit Mountain ecosystem, but these impacts are impossible to foresee if the possibility and magnitude of development is not openly discussed. Thus, the future of Dowe Flats after the twenty-five-year period of proposed mining activity is only vaguely specified in this application. No long-term consideration has been given to preserving in perpetuity the natural values of Dowe Flats identified by Southdown's consultants and stressed in their