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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Russell George, Director Southeast Region: 2126 N Weber Street Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907 RECEIVED SEP 1 6 2002 Telephone: (719)227-5200 August 12,2002 Mr. Harty Posey Division of Minerals and Geology _ -' 1313 Sherman~St.- Denver, Colorado 80203 Bivision of Minerals and Geology Re: Mineral Permit for Ranch land Rock Pit #1 tM-2002-0961 in Fremont County. Colorado. Dear Mr. Posey, For ~ldlife- ForPeople The Division has received your request for information regarding the mineral development in Fremont County, Section 24, Township 20 South, Range 68 West. We have reviewed the information and are familiar with the site. We offer the following comments and suggestions for your consideration. The proposed area of mineral development is characterized by short grass prairie ecosystem dissected by limestone breaks(with pinyon-juniper) and a riparian ecosystem, along Red Creek. The area is primarily used by scaled quail, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion. The potential habitat exists for black tail prairie dog and swift fox, which are a state species of concern. Black tail prairie dog is also a candidate species for listing on the Endangered Species Act. There is nc known site inventory for native fish on this reach of Red Creek. However, downstream on the Arkansas River a site inventory was completed that comprised of longnose dace, longnose sucker, fathead minnow, sand shiner, central stoneroller, and green sunfish. Also, the Arkansas River is known as a winter concentration area for bald eagles (a federally threatened species). Impacts to wildlife from the proposed mineral development are moderate. The site is adjacent to Red Creek, an intermittent tributary to the Arkansas River. The Division is concerned about the impacts to the creek and subsequently the Arkansas River. We recommend that stock piled soil be placed in an area far enough away from the limestone breaks and is seeded in order to reduce the risk of soil erosion into Red Creek. Also, we suggest that roads used to access the area be maintained to alleviate the impacts to the aquatic environment. To further reduce the impacts to wildlife, we recommend mining in small increments and reclaiming site before moving to a new area. We recommend reclaiming the site for pronghorn antelope and scaled quail. This will.inctude the use of a native, short grass prairie seed mix with some added shrubs for cover. Species associated with short grass prairie include but not limited to; blue grama, side oats grama, buffalo grass, sand dropseed, little bluesfem, groundsel, cholla (candelabra cactus), rabbitbrush, and four-wing saltbush. We suggest working with local USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service professionals for final approval on seed mix. Finally, the disturbance of the existing vegetation resulting from mineral development will lead to the establishment of noxious weeds. The Division recommends a weed control plan to reduce the impacts to surrounding habitats. The Division appreciates the opportunity for input. Shoultl you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, ~~ Casey Cooley, Habitat Biologist DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Walther, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Bernard L. Black, Jr., Chairman • Ridc F~strom, YceChairtnan • Philip James, Secretary Members, Tom Burke • Mark LeValley • Marianna Raftopoubs • Robert Shoemaker • Olive Vaklez Ex-Offiao Members, Greg E. Watcher and Don Amerd