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<br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />&p Owaira , Govorrror <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />.~~,~~ <br />.,~.~ <br />90W aroadwq <br />C.or.r. caa^a0 90219 <br />(ios) 2sT-1192 <br />tla+rta.. s.rrc. c.re.r <br />1700 Barth Tawrwd Ar~nw <br />Manb09w co 9tb1 <br />lsfol 262000 Fmc (970) 202061 <br />J. E. Stover <br />Consulting Engineer <br />2768 Compass Drive, Sulte 101 <br />Grand Junction, CO 81506 <br />Dear Mr. Stover. <br />,~„~,~._ <br />~.~. <br />February 14, 2000 <br />I have vislted the site of the proposed DeJohn Gravel Pit near Redvale. The area is used <br />by a wide variety of wildlife, which include but is not limited to mule deer, elk, coyotes, ground <br />squirrels, golden eagles, held eagles, Coopers hawks, pinion and gray jays, plus numerous <br />rodent species as well as migratory song birds. <br />The site lies within mule deer severe winter range as well as a winter concentration area. <br />This means that during a winter of high snowfall, mule deer will be found here in large numbers. <br />Even during mild winters, mule deer numbers will be higher here than in other areas. The deer <br />use will primariy be from October 15 to April 1 again depending upon the winter condltions, <br />however some deer will remain in the area year round. Elk may also be found in this area <br />depending upon the winter condltions during the same time frame. There is also considerable <br />mule deer movement across the site from and to Naturita Canyon and the hay fields and <br />Maverick Draw to the north. <br />The cottonwood trees on the property receive use from migrating eagles. This use is <br />primariy during the winter and at this time appears to be limited to roosting ony. I have <br />observed both Bald and Golden Eagles in the trees, abng with several species of hawks. h <br />would be of benefrt to these birds to insure the continued presence of the cottonwood tree on the <br />east side of Gurley Ditch, which I understand, will be the eastern boundary of the mining <br />operation. <br />While the Division of Wildlife does not wish to see any wildlife habitat destroyed, lt does <br />recognize the need for construction material. The temporary loss of habitat should have little <br />effect on small game and rodent species in the area. Most of these will move to new bcations <br />until such time as the property is reclaimed, then they will move back into the site. <br />The temporary bss of the area as a food source will force the mule deer to concentrate in <br />other sites and fields until such time as the site is reclaimed. This should have limited impact on <br />the mule deer herd. However, if the site is not reclaimed or the land use status is changed, there <br />maybe a larger impact on the wintering deer herd. <br />The actual mining operation, which includes the haul trucks and worker access, may <br />have more impact on the wintering mule deer than the temporary bss of habitat. With the <br />increased traffic, the potential for deer/automobile accidents increases. The increase in traffic <br />along the county road and the altering of the deer movement Goser to Highway 145 increases <br />the effect that vehicles already have on the deer herd that winters in this area. If possible, winter <br />oEa~rtTrErrr of ru~TUwu. reESOUnees, o..s w.ww, eoaar. 0lneeo' [{ _ ~ <br />WN.DLFE COMYr8S10N: Clwd[ L~wK CMfr ~YaAI LWabr. YkICIIW' ~ BwnvA a1rdC $~c7ratarv ~ MaMN <br />