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~'' l1I <br />STATE OF COLORADO ~ O W <br />Bill Owens, Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />Bruce McCloskey, Director <br />6060 Broadway <br />Denver, Colorado 80216 <br />Telephone; (303) 2921192 <br />www. wildl ifes[ate. co. us <br />Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety <br />Atm: Richard Wenzel <br />1313 Sherman Street <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />r/ <br />RE: Overlook Mine, File #M-2006-075 <br />Mr. Wenzel <br />~M~Ji C'~~ai-? <br />C,O~~O <br />•~~OF~ <br />Far Wdldllfe- <br />ForPeople <br />RECEIVED <br />t~EC 0 8 2006 <br />DNision of ReclemaGon, <br />Mining and Safety <br />November 3Q 2006 <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has had [he opportunity to review the permit application consideration for the Granby Realty Holdings, <br />Overlook Mine gravel pit (#M-2006-075). The CDOW has provided comments relating to wildlife impacts to an adjacent gravel pit (Willits pit) <br />within the surrounding area. The CDOW has also commented on several previous subdivision exemption applications that identified similar wildlife <br />concerns in this azea. Thete are likely some significant wildlife impacts associated with this permit. <br />This area of Granby Ranch and Grand County is mapped as critical winter range for deer and elk. Additionally, this area is a vital movement corridor <br />for seasonal movements of elk. Compromising this corridor can likely reduce the habitat quality of the associated Silvercreek easement and limit use <br />of elk on adjacent public lands. Disturbance of e!k during times when they are dependent upon winter range willalso likely increase conflicts with <br />the adjacent agriculmral properties and increase mortality during the difficult winter season As many as 200+ wintering elk utilize the area <br />including adjacent agricultural and other private lands. There is also an additional population of elk that utilize the Strawberry area that also may be <br />impacted. Winter range in this portion of Grand County has been significantly compromised and limited. <br />There may be associated impacts with other species of wildlife including sage grouse The sage grouse populations in eastern Grand County have <br />suffered significant declines. Fragmentation and quality of habitat likely contribute to this decline. Individual sage grouse have been observed in the <br />proximity of this drainage. It is unknown about the consistent use of this area by sage grouse. Additionally moose, mule deer, small mammals, <br />migratory birds, and a variety of raptors utilize the area throughout the yeaz. <br />Overall, this operation and future residential development of this site will have a significant impact on wildlife. If you have questions or comments, <br />please contact Kick Oldham, [he District Wildlife Manager working on this project at (970) 725-6200. <br />Sincerely ~ Q <br />Lyle H. Sidener <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />Cc: Kirk Oldham (CDOW); Ron Velarde (CDOW); John Bredehoft (CDOW); Dave Huseman (Town of Granby); Debra Campbell (Grand County) <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Executive Director <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Jeffrey Crawford, Chair • Tom Burke, Vce Chair • Claire O'Neal, Secretary <br />Members, Robert Bray • Brad Coors • Ridc Ensirom • Richard Ray • James McAnalty • Ken Torres <br />Ex Offido Members, Russell George and Don Ament <br />