PERMFILE133705 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The proposed pit location falls within Division of Wildlife (CDOW) designated winter range and severe winter range for mule deer, elk, and sage grouse. These definitions imply that the azea receives significant mule deer and elk use in normal winters as well as during the worst two often winters. The area is also within an identified mule deer concentration azea, defined as a wintering area where mule deer density exceeds twice that of other areas. This site has traditionally been sage grouse habitat and there is record of nearby breeding grounds (leks) which are no longer active, likely as a result of disturbance/removal of sagebrush from the surrounding agricultural landscapes. We would recommendthat re-establishment of sagebrush into tbe vegetative community post-mining should be an important component of the reclamation plan for this proposed site. Since the proposed site already is dominated by and is surrounded by big sagebrush, re-establishment ofbig sagebmshpost-mining should be relatively easy if an adequate reclamation plan is implemented. In terms of wildlife habitat values, the ideal vegetative community for this upland site post-mining would include a mosaic ofbig sagebrush with abundant native grasses and forts in the understory. The local sage grouse population in this area has been declining for many yeazs and there are no longer any known, active breeding leks due to a significant loss/conversion of sagebrush habitats on the nearby agricultural lands and surrounding landscapes. In short, the Russell Ranch pit site is located within an area of great importance to mule deer and elk during a variety of winter wnditions and also to sage grouse during the early spring and winter seasons. We would recommend restoring native grass, fort, and shrub vegetation to the proposed site in older to m;n;mi~e negative long-term wildlife related impacts. The grass seeding recommendation supplied by the Natural Resource Conservation Service for reclamation of this proposed site lacks diversity of native plant species (i.e., shrubs and forts). The CROW recommends that a mix of native grass, forts, and shrub seeds be used to reclaim the azea after each phase of the mining operation is complete, rather than using the grass seed mix proposed by NRCS. If the CDMG would like a list of native vegetation species to include in the seed mix for reclamation of this site, the CROW will be glad to provide that information to them. The CDOW would also rewmmend that weeds be managed on the site throughout the mining operation and especially during post-mining reclamation. I have concluded that long-term impacts to wildlife from the proposed Russell Ranch Pit will be negligible, provided that surface extraction activities are not expanded beyond the present operating plans and assuming the area is properly reclaimed with native vegetation. This range site is currently a productive upland sagebrush steppe community which provides high quality habitat for mule deer, elk, sage grouse, and other wildlife species, and the CROW reconunends that habitat conditions be restored post-mining. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. Sinc>erel~y,~ ,,/ ~~ /S,~iC.~ GGt G!.~s~r~, Bill de Vergie Area Wildlife Manager Meeker, CO. (970)878-6061