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~e~i~~ QJU, h~ p.~~~~ <br />STATE OF COLORADO n /~~ <br />Bill Owens, Governor ~Jv <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />Bruce McCloskey, Director <br />Southeast Region <br />4255 Sinton Road <br />Colorado Springs, CO 80907 <br />719-227-5200 <br /> <br />/MAR24~6 <br />.mar a:a anc GealagY <br />GO~~O <br />3 o~ <br />~pN OF Vi`v <br />For ~Idlife- <br />ForPeople <br />March 13, 2006 <br />Mr. Anthony J. Waldron <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />1313 Sherman St. <br />Denver. Colorado 80203 <br />Dear Mr. Posey, <br />The Division has received your request for information regarding the mineral development in EI Paso County, <br />Section 34, Township 16 South, Range 62 West. We have reviewed the information and are familiar with the site. <br />Information associated with the application packet did not provide any details on the mining plan, reclamation <br />plan, or wildlife information. With the limited information provided, we offer the following comments and <br />suggestions for your consideration. <br />The proposed area of mineral development is characterized by short grass prairie and sand sage prairie <br />ecosystems. The area is primarily used by scaled quail, pronghom antelope and prairie bird species. On site <br />potential habitat exists for swift fox, which is a state species of concern. Impacts to wildlfe from the proposed <br />mineral development are temporary in nature and are believed to be minimal. To further reduce the impacts to <br />wildlife and the extent of exposed soils we recommend phased mining in small increments and reclaiming the site <br />before moving to a new area. <br />We recommend reclaiming the site for native prairie species including pronghom antelope and scaled quail. We <br />recommend including the use of a native, short grass prairie seed mix with some added shrubs for cover. Species <br />associated with short grass prairie include but are not limited to; blue grams, side oats grams, buffalo grass, sand <br />dropseed, little bluestem, scarlet globemallow, leadplant, and sand sage. We suggest working with local USDA <br />Natural Resource Conservation Service professionals for final approval on seed mix and recommendations for <br />application. Finally, disturbance of the existing vegetation resulting from mineral development could lead to the <br />establishment of noxious weeds. The Division recommends implementation of a weed control plan to reduce the <br />potential for infestation and impacts to surrounding habitats. <br />The Division appreciates the opportunity for input. Should you have any questions or require additional <br />information please feel free to contact District Wildlife Manager, Steve Cooley, at (719) 227-5282. <br />Sincerely, <br />Shaun Deeney ~~ <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />xc: File <br />Steve Cooley <br />Region <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Executive Director <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Jelkey Crawford, Chair • Tom Burke, V+ce Chair • Claire O'Neal, Secretary <br />Members, Robert Bray • Rids Enstrom • Philip James • Richard Ray • Robert Shoemaker • Ken Tones <br />Ex Olfido Members, Russell George and Don AmeM <br />