PERMFILE121230

• Permit No: M2006075
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/8/2006
• Doc Name: Comment Ltrs. Sent To Applicant
• From: DRMS
• To: Granby Realty Holdings
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

STATE OF COLORADO
Blll Ovretne, Govamor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bruce McCloskey, Diredor
8080 Broadway
Denver, Coloredo 80216
Telephone: [phone]
www. wil dl ife. state. co, us
Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety
Arm: Richard Wenzel
1313 Sherman Street
Deaver, Colorado 80203
RE: Overlook Mine, File #M-2006-075
Mr. Wenzel
For ~Idlife-
ForPeopk
RECEIVED
o~c oe zoos
DNlsion of Redametlon,
Mining and Sa(ety
November 30, 2006
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has had [he opportunity toreview the permit application consideration for the Granby Realty Holdings,
Overlook Mine gravel pit (#M 2006.075). The CDOW has provided comments relating to wildlife impacts to an adjacrnt gravel pit (Willits pit)
within the surrounding area The CDOW has also commented on several previous subdivision exemption applications that identified similar wildlife
concerns in this area There are likely some significant wildlife impacts associated with this permit.
This area of Granby Ranch and Grand County 's mapped as critical winter range for deer and elk. Additionally, this area is a vital movement corridor
for seasonal movements of elk, Compromising this corridor can likely reduce the habitat quality of the associated Silvercreek easement and limit use
of elk on adjacent public lands. Distwbance of elk during times when they are dependent upon winttt range willalso likely increase conflicts with
the adjacent agricultural properties and increase mortality during the difficult winter season As many as 200+ wintering elk utilize the area
including adjacent agricultural and other private lands. There is also an additional population of elk that utilize the Strawberry area that also may be
impacted. Winter range in this portion of Grand County has been sign candy compromised and limited.
There maybe associated impacts with other species of wildlife including sage grouse The sage grouse populations in eastern Grand County have
suffered signiftcan[ declines. Fragmentation and quality of habitat Iikoly contribute to this decline. Individual sage grouse have been observed in the
proximity of this drainage. It is unknown about the consistent use of this area by sage grouse. Additionally moose, mule deer, small mattmtals,
migratory birds, and a variety of raptors utilize the area throughout the year.
Overall, this operation and future residential development of this site will have a signiRcam impact on wildlife. if you have questions or comments,
please contact Kirk Oldham, Ne District Wildlife Manager working on this project at [phone]. -
Sincerely
Lyle H. Sidener
Area W ildlife Manager
Cc: Kirk Oldham (CDOW); Ron Velarde (CDO W); John BredehoR (CDOW): Dave Husemen (Tovm of Granby); Debra Campbell (Grand County)
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RtuseN George, Executive Diredor
WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Jeffrey Crawforcl, Chair • Tam Burke, Vora Chair. Claire O'Neal, Setxetary
Memhers, Robert Bray • Brad Caota • Ride Enslrom . Richani Ray • Jatttes Ma4naly • Ken Tortes
Ex Otero Members, Russell George and Don Arnerd