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1 <br />Re-establishing vegetative diversity after gravel mining is important in restoring wildlife <br />habitat. Native grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees are encouraged for revegetation of disturbed <br />areas. The proposed Reclamation Plan does not presently include any trees, shrubs, or <br />forbs, however. We encourage the petitioner to modify the Reclamation Plan to include <br />vegetation more suitable for use as wildlife habitat. The importance of incorporation of native <br />cottonwoods into the Reclamation Plan was discussed earlier in relation to the nearby bald <br />eagle nest. All cottonwoods planted should be protected from browsing damage with wire <br />cages, and artificially watered until the water table is reached. Shadscale saltbush and O- <br />wing saltbush would do well on dry upland areas. Skunkbush sumac can be established in <br />the area in between the dry uplands and the pond. Cicer milkvetch is a recommended fort. <br />Indian ricegrass, and needle-and-thread grass are recommended to compliment the western <br />wheatgrass, saltgrass, and alkali sacaton in the proposed seed mix. The revegetation <br />success criteria proposed for the dry rangeland areas are not adequate due to the relative <br />lack of vegetation in the pasture and corral areas. A standard of 90% of site potential would <br />be more appropriate, instead of the 90% of existing vegetation criteria proposed. <br />- - The petitioner has proposed a Reclamation Plarrfor the pond area that wilt include two <br />areas with restored slopes of 6H;1V where wetland vegetation will be established. This is a <br />positive thing for wildlife. Incorporation of these shallow wetland areas is encouraged, and <br />will increase waterfowl and shorebird utilization. These areas will also benefit amphibians and <br />mammals. Incorporation of a meandering shoreline with numerous points and coves will <br />maximize the value of this type of habitat. The revegetation success criteria proposed for the <br />pond wetland areas are adequate. <br />As always, the Division of Wildlife thanks you for the opportunity to comment on <br />significant wildlife issues related to development. Incorporation of these recommendations <br />into the development plan will reduce negative impacts to wildlife in this important habitat. <br />Please feel free to contact me at (970) 255-6112 if you wish to discuss these issues in <br />greater depth. <br />Sincerely, <br />Paul J. ee n <br />Wildlife Manager <br />Fruita District <br />