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• •L To lessen some of these impacts, the Division recommends that a berm be constructed along the south side of the pit as well as the north and west sides. A 2-3 foot berm is mentioned in the drainage report to prevent river intrusion during a flood event. A taller berm would dampen the noise and provide a visual barrier to mining activities, thereby allowing wildlife continued use of adjacent habitat on the SWA. The visual barrier is especially important for nesting and feeding wildlife. In addition, the Division offers the following recommendations: 1) remove vegetation and brush piles before April or after June so as to minimize nest disturbance, and 2) do not remove vegetation until actively extracting gravel to minimize wind and water erosion and more gradually reduce habitat. Regarding reclamation, the Division is unclear if one of the desired end results is wildlife habitat. It is mentioned in the Application for Revision, however, it is not mentioned in the drainage report. A general misconception is that wildlife and its habitat are synonomous with recreation and the areas used for recreation. In reality, the occassion is rare when these coincide. To encourage wildlife use, the Division recommends that the shoreline undulate and have a more gradual slope (10:1) to facilitate emergent vegetation and insect production. This can be done on just a portion of the resulting lake, perhaps the southern shoreline, so as not to lose building space and still allow deep water for boating. While backfilling and slope grading will be occurring concur- rently with mining activities, it does not appear that vegetative efforts will take place until the completion of mining. The Division recommends that the disturbed sites be reseeded as soon as possible in order to establish desired plants, discourage weeds, and minimize wind and water erosion. If reseeding cannot be done immediately following slope grading, perhaps it can be done in phases, so as not to leave the entire site exposed for 10 years. We also recommend that successful plant establishment and weed control be required as a part of the reclamation plan. Last but not least, easements. The Division has briefly spoken with Ken Nesbitt and Paul McGehee about moving the entrance road and ditch. We are amenable to this and understand that a right- of-way will be dedicated for the alternate route proposed along the western perimeter. We also requested of United that the Division be granted an easement along the affected portion of the Appleton Drain and the southern boundary of the pit (SWA's northern boundary) to the parking area. This will be used by , Division personnel and other persons who have business on the SWA, Public access will be allowed via foot or bike_ ~o~~iGhe County's open space land adjacent to the SWA, but ridrbe`hicles will be permitted east of the parking lot. SUN 1 ? 1995 pivis~o~ ~~ M'ne~a~s ~ Geo~oUy