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19-06 13:30 FROM: DIV. WILDLIFE WEST RG 970-255-6111 T0:+13038328106 PtaGE:003 <br />waterfowl habitat. Several small islands creaud in the ponds should provide some nesting habitat for waterfowl. A <br />meandering shoreline could also enhance the ponds by creating more surface area for aquatic vegetation and hiding <br />cover for waterfowl and other aquatic species. 1 would suggest ucating 30 feet of meandering shoreline for every 100 <br />feet of pond shoreline. <br />Most of the better quality habitat exists oa the riparian portion of the permit area, and the greatest impacts to wildlife <br />will occur in those locations where some native riparian vegetation is dominant. Native vegetation along the riparian <br />7gne should be spared wherever possible. Additionally, non-native species such as Tamarisk, Russian Olive, <br />1Cnapwecd and other weed species should be eradicated iu the permit area. The removal of the above mentioned <br />vegetation will be critical hi creating a healthy ripariaai habitat during the phases of re-vegemtian. The proposed <br />reseeding of the upland areas ou siu should be beneficial for wildlife once the area is reclanned. <br />Visual and noise buffers should be considered wherever possible to reduce impacts to wildlife over the life of the <br />gravel operation. The increase in noise from vehicles and mining machinery, along with the increase of human <br />activity, will likely force some of the wildlife specie,4 w abandon the area Buffers could consist of enlrancemenl of <br />woody vegetation along with earthen berms. The vegetative buffers could screen visual and noise impacts from some <br />of the more important habitat areas such as die heron rookery, the riparian corridor, and the large islands in the permit <br />area. Cottonwood and willow plantings would grow quickly and could provide some buffering effects along these <br />areas. <br />The applicants could consider purchasing similar properties along the river corridor in order to establish conservation <br />casements to mitigate for habitat conversion and disturbance at this proposed site. The protection of similar habitats <br />along the Colorado River could provide wildlife with refuge areas that eordd be managed speciScaUy for wildlife <br />habitat, <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife would appreciate the opporhntity to work with the landowners and applicants in <br />creating a pubbe fishing or hunting easement on the property whey mining operations have concluded. This properly <br />could provide an opportunity for waterfowl hunting or passible fishing access to the river. Providing hunting and <br />fishing opportunities for youths is critical W the recnritntent of funtre anglers and hunters. This property could assist <br />the Division of Wildlife with its long term goal of providing opportunities for youths and other sportspersans. <br />Thank you for the oppor0.rnity to provide comments on this important land use issue. If you have any questions, <br />please contact Brian Cray. <br />Sincetcly, <br />Dean Riggs, Area Wildlife Manager <br />cc: John Bredehoft <br />lion Velsrde <br />John Toolen <br />Brian Gray <br />