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<br /> <br />these trees and it appears they will be removed during m;n;nq <br />operations. A cluster of three cottonwoods exists, midway, along <br />the east boundary of Meadow Lake. Approximately ~ mile west of <br />these trees are 4-5 additional large cottonwoods. All provide <br />daily hunting perches for Bald eagles and other raptors in <br />conjunction with the surrounding prairie dog colony. In addition, <br />raptor nesting is evident in several of these large solitary <br />cottonwoods. With alight vaziation in shoreline configuration of <br />the proposed lakes development, some of these cottonwoods could be <br />maintained in their natural state and continue to provide roosting, <br />perching and nesting habitat along with associated prey species for <br />eagles and other birds of prey. <br />Prairie dog colonies exist within the proposed gravel mining <br />develop~meat. These colonies are important prey species for raptors <br />and ground predators and provide habitat for a variety of wildlife <br />including Burrowing Owls. Legal options for Prairie Doq removal <br />include humane euthanasia or trapping sad transplanting. Prairie <br />Dog trapping sad transplanting efforts must be approved by the <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife. Bulldozing active Prairie Doq <br />colonies is not an acceptable method of removal. <br />Prairie dog colonies also provide habitat for Burrowing Owls. <br />Burrowing Owls are protected in Colorado and are listed as a <br />threatened species. Burrowing Owls migrate south during winter <br />months but they rely heavily on Prairie Dog burrows for nesting <br />habitat from April 1 - August 31. Construction work during this <br />time period would require a biological survey for the presence of <br />Burrowing Owls. <br />The Division of Wildlife appreciates the opportunity to review and <br />comment on this project proposal. If you or the developer have any <br />questions concerning these comments, please contact me at 970-339- <br />5208. <br />Si~nceTrel <br />1.1~-~ <br />~y C wford <br />District Wildlife Manager <br />CC Dave Clarkson, Area Wildlife Manager / <br />Mike Sherman, Field Aabitat Biologist / <br />