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• iii iiiiiiiiiiiuiii <br />999 <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />Dwayne Finch <br />District Wildlife Manager -- Area 13 <br />3170 East Main <br />Canon City, CO 81215 <br />Telephone (719)269-8710 <br />Fax (719)269-8595 ~ ~~ <br />To: James C. Stevens <br />From: Dwayoe Fmch - DWM <br />Date: March 5, 1999 <br /> <br />RECEIVED <br />MAR 8 1999 <br />DIV. OF MINERALS <br />8 GEOLOGY <br />Subject: Castle Concrete Company, Table Mountain Quarry <br />Dear Mr. Stevens: <br />I have reviewed Castle Concrete's 112 mining permit application for Table Mountain and would <br />submit the following comments and recommendations for your review. <br />Direct impacts on wildlife will be min;mal even though wildlife resources and habitat on Table <br />Mountain are signiScant. Table Mountain, including the permit site, has good to exceIlent habitat <br />for deer, elk, turkey, bear, mountain lion, smaIl mammals and birds. The impact of mining on the <br />wildlife resource is minor only because the acres [45] affected is sma1L The "zone of influence" of <br />1/4 mile on each side ofthe haul roads will impact optimal habitat availability. <br />The `9taulback approach" of taking stripped topsoil duectly to the mined out areas will maximize <br />the rate of reclamation and min;m;~rs the amount of time the land remains unclaimed. The <br />reclamation plan will return the topography to the original contour and reseedmg with grasses will <br />occur. Good climatic conditions exist for habitat recovery if topsoil is available on the mined sites. <br />The issues of concern are the potential conflict with mining and public usage on Table Mountain. <br />The DOW has leased the entire area for hunting and wildlife related recreation from September 1, <br />to May 31, of the succeedmg year. Will Castle Concrete expect hunters to stay out of the mine, <br />stockpile and equipment? What happens to the parking and camping areas in Phase I. Will haul <br />trucks be a safety hazard to the public? Who will maintain the roads, provide security, enforce <br />trespass, and ensure the public's safety? When will blasting occur and will it impact rock climbers <br />or 6unters7 Who will lock the entrance gate at highway 115 after May 31 and coordinate with the <br />other lessees? <br />Table Mountain receives heavy public use because of its proximity to Colorado Springs, Pueblo, <br />and Canon City. In fact, much of recreational activity is not wildlife related and has been difficuh <br />