Laserfiche WebLink
JUC-12 01 16:13 FROM:CDDId 303-498-9742 70:9707856034 PRCE:01 <br />r. <br />4 <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />etu Orwra, Govstrror <br />DEPARTMENT OF NAYUttAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />AN EGUAL aPORTUNITr 2MPLOYER <br />Russell George, Deeetor <br />6060 6rp2d+Nay <br />Denver, Colorado 80218 <br />Telephone: (303) 297•t 197 <br />RECcIVED <br />JUL 18 2001 <br />rttly 11, zoos <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />Cynthia Parker <br />Sage Hill Farm <br />8234 WCR 28 <br />Platteville, CO 80651 <br />RE: Weld County Planning Department USR-1343 <br />Division of Minerals and Geology M2001-046 <br />Dear Ms. Parker: <br />G~~~O <br />~`!~ <br />~PpF <br />For t~/d/ife- <br />For Peaple <br />I am writing this letter at your request to document the two recent Division of Wildlite Cooperative <br />Habitat Improvement Program (CHIPS) grant projects on your farm which may be impacted by the <br />proposed Nix Sand and Mine mining operation referenced above. <br />• 2000 CHIPS protect: Shelterbelt Adjacent to WI'CI2 28 <br />Four rows (470 trees and shrubs) of this eight-row sheherbeh were planted under a grant for $2,661. <br />One factor in the Division's decision to award this grant was the proximity of this sheherbeh to the Sage <br />Hill Farm Wetland. <br />Concerns: The trees and shrubs of this shelterbek could be impacted if a drawdown of the water <br />table level. takes place due to the dewatering of tlu gravel pits next door. The possibility exists that as <br />the trees and shrubs are growing, they will adapt their mats to the lower water table level resuhing <br />tiom the drawdowtt. When the water ruble eventually rises again, retttr'nitrg to irs historically higlr <br />level after the dewatering operations are complete, the deeper roots ot'the trees pray rot out. This <br />could weaken the plants, creatirrg a higher srrscephbility to insect attack and other problems, or eoukl <br />actually kill the treas. <br />• I99b CHIPS protect: Spring Pond Shelterbelt <br />A six-row sheherbeh of 500 shrubs adjacent to ttte spring-fed pond on Sage Hill Farm. The initial total <br />cost ofthis planting, including the kuvdowner's 15% Contribution, was $1,998. This sheherbeh was <br />located near the pond in order to provide good cover for animals approaching the pond to drink and as <br />potential nesting habitaz for ducks. <br />• Concerns: If the spring were to go dry due to the proposed mining operation, the value of this <br />habitat may be lessened significaatly. <br />DEPARTMENT pF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Waldrer, Executne D§actor <br />W ILOUFE COMMISSION, Ritlc Enatrom, Chav• Robert 6hoemeker, VibECna'v • Mtui•nna Rato°poubs, Secretary <br />Members. Eiemard Blau: • Tom 8uike + Phim James • Bnd Ptwlo• +Otl~e Valdez <br />