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_. _ • • <br />Bull Seep -The plan calls for leaving a 100' wide buffer along Bull Seep, which is what we <br />recommended in our original comments. Our only other concern was that the extensive plans <br />to line the gravel pits with slurry walls not cause Bull Seep to dry up due to a lowering of the <br />groundwater table. <br />Wetland/Tree Complex West of Bull Seep -The plan calls for the destruction of this azea. <br />As in our eazlier comments, we suggest that larger trees to be removed be dragged to the edge <br />of the South Platte riparian zone and left as habitat features. For mitigation, additional <br />tree/shrub planting along Bull Seep or the river would be reasonable. <br />Small Wetland/Tree Habitat on the East Side of the Property - The plan also calls for the <br />destruction of this habitat area. We suggest additional plantings in the buffer zones to make up <br />for this loss as well. <br />Effects on Groundwater Flow - This plan calls for extensive lining of gravel pits with <br />impervious bamers, which would presumably cut off groundwater flow. As always when this <br />is proposed, we are concerned that changes in groundwater regimes not cause a lowering of <br />groundwater along the river or Bull Seep such that trees or shrubs are killed as drying occurs. <br />Potential for Fishery - If water is stored in the lined pits, there might be a potential for a <br />fishery to develop, which might provide some public recreation opportunity. <br />Species for Revegetation - We specifically request that Russian olive not be allowed in the tree <br />revegetation plan. It is an undesirable plant along drainageways because it tends to out-compete <br />cottonwoods and willows. <br />The most important issue and area of disagreement is over encroachment on the South Platte <br />River in the relatively small but important zone of riparian vegetation at the northwest comer <br />of the property. We feel strongly that the current plan would cause unreasonable loss of habitat <br />in this area especially by encroaching almost to the river bank. By choosing a 400' buffer width <br />in this area, with a relatively moderate amount of tree planting as mitigation, there would be no <br />necessity of building a berm in the vicinity and most of the riparian zone would be preserved. <br />Please let me know if you have any questions. <br />Sincerely, <br />Dave Weber <br />Habitat Biologist <br /> <br />