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r ~ • <br />' ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT and RECLAMATION/MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS <br />Impact to the wintering bald eagles is of major concern since <br />a communal roost exists immediately across the river in the <br />W 1/2 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 8, T9S, R97W. This area is to be <br />preserved by a conservation easement by the Colorado Department <br />~ ,• of Highways as partial mitigation for the construction of I-70. <br />Construction activ ity by highway Contracters along the river <br />will be curtailed from November 1 to April 1 to protect wintering <br />bald eagles. Allowing gravel mining in this area during this <br />time would defeat the intent of the conservation easement. <br />Additionally, the stand of trees on the east side of the river <br />is not dense enough to screen human activity from the eagles. <br />Since the parcel is bounded by the interstate on one side, <br />consideration should be given to providing an area (island) <br />on the lake where waterfowl could remain out of view from passing <br />' motorists. If certain precautions are taken, mining can occur <br />without long term negative impacts. The Division of Wildlife <br />does not recommend denial of the proposed pit provided the following <br />' recommendations are enacted: <br />1. All cottonHrood trees, especially those along <br />the river should not be disturbed. <br />2. Because of the sparse vegetation, a berm 75-100 <br />feet should separate the river from the pit. <br />' 3. No mining should occur from 1Jovermber 1 - April <br />1 to minimize disturbance to the communal roost. <br />' 4. Several islands with native vegetation should be <br />left ~•~ithin the lake to provide nesting areas <br />and escape cover for 4aterfowl. <br />5. Sides of the pit should be irregular with penin- <br />sulas to create an edge effect. <br />6. A 200 foot area on the north end should be sloped at <br />5.1 to provide a mud flat for waterfowl. <br />7. Revegetation should be done with native shrubs and <br />grasses. <br /> <br /> <br />' F1G:cmf <br /> <br /> <br />11 <br />