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lvY ~~~~ TWO <br />STATE OP COLORADO <br />RlcMrtl D. Lrrmm, Govrrrnor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />k R. Grl~b, Dlrr.etor <br />~60 Brorrtlwrry <br />Drrnvrrr, Coloratlo 80216 ~B2!5-1192 <br />Figure 2.nd.ll(3T <br />page 1 of 2 <br />Plovember 19, 1980 <br />2300 S. Townsend <br />Montrose, CO 81401 <br />Mr. LeRoy Black <br />Ute Engineering E Surveying <br />443 Dodge <br />Delta, CO 91416 <br />Dear Mr. Black: <br />This letter is being sent on behalf of your request for an update on wildlife <br />impacts associated with the Bear Coal Mine, located east of Somerset, Colorado. <br />Historically, the Bear Hine has had adverse impacts on primarily riparian and <br />aquatic resources. Traffic along the Plorth Fork Valley associated with the mine <br />has resulted in roadkills and disturbances to deer and elk and their migration <br />routes. The disturbances associated with surface mining facilities have result- <br />ed in a direct loss of wildlife habitat while emitting toxic elements into the <br />North Fork Gunnison River which have impacted fisheries. Coal slag, petroleum <br />products and other agents continue to enter the river during runoff periods. <br />Because of the long history of the Bear Mine, most initial adverse impacts to <br />wildlife have already occurred. IJe continue to solicit Bear Coal Company to <br />maintain measures to prevent any toxic elements associated with their mining <br />operation from reaching the river or adjacent wetlands. These measures include <br />installing retention dikes and ponds, not dumping coal slag over the bank and <br />keeping a vegetative buffer zone between the river and working areas. <br />Currently, the Northern Bald Eagle is the only rare or endangered wildlife <br />species inhabiting the area. It is a winter time resident and traverses the <br />river throughout the project area. I am no[ aware of any adverse problems <br />associated with the Bear Mine and [he bald eagles. It would be advisable for <br />Bear Coal Company's management to remind their personnel that fish and wildlife <br />are protected by statute and care should be exercised to prevent harassment to <br />wildlife, especially during the winter stress periods when animals are concen- <br />trated along the valley bottom. This is becoming increasingly important as <br />the coal industry expands along the North Fork Valley. <br />Our Division encourages continued cooperation with Bear Coal Company to protect <br />wildlife resources so that coal and wildlife resources can be developed with <br />minimal adverse impacts. <br />• Should you need additional input from our Division for Bear's M.L.R. update, <br />I'll need written details as to what information is desired, as well as [he <br />5-79 <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. Monte Paxoe. Eaecutire Director • WILDLIFE COMMISSION,WilburRadden, Chairman <br />Donald Fernandez, Vice Chairmon . Jomes Smith, Secretary • lean K. Tool, Member .Vernon C. Willioms, Member <br />