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xi <br />establishment goal of sagebrush steppe across at least 20% of the entire reclaim. Within that community, CDOW <br />recommends a minimum goal of 500 woody stems per acre with at least 50% of those shrub species consisting of <br />mountain big sagebrush. Furthermore, CDOW recommends a 150 woody stems per acre goal be maintained <br />across the grassland site. CDOW makes the recommendation that this sagebrush steppe reclamation goal be set at <br />this higher level for final bond release as it has the highest benefits for wildlife. <br />CDOW would also like to make two recommendations specifically related to reclamation efforts targeting large <br />woody species (ie. aspen, chokecherry, and serviceberry). In early on-site discussions between CDOW, CDMG, <br />and the Mine, plans were discussed to try to re-create deep topsoil pockets at the heads of some of the re-graded <br />drainages. These sites would be ideal for naturally re-established or planted stands of aspen and chokecherry. <br />Historically, South Taylor had these vegetative communities and they provide valuable and unique habitat to <br />wildlife. After reviewing the proposed reclamation plan, CDOW didn't notice any mention of these plans. <br />Therefore, CDOW recommends the Mine establish a minimum of 2 sites specifically targeted at <br />aspen/chokecherry establishment. These sites should be a minimum of 20 acres in size and should have topsoil <br />depths of at least four feet. Wildlife exclosure fences should be used to protect the target woody species on these <br />sites. Also related to shrub establishment, CDOW suggests the mine consider building traditional snow fences, in <br />addition to,_planned topsoil snow fences. These should increase shrub establishment success without creating any <br />slope/erosion concerns. <br />The CDOW appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on this proposed reclamation plan revision. The <br />CDOW also appreciates the efforts made by the Mine to include CDOW in the early planning stages of this <br />proposed expansion/reclamation plan. The CDOW believes this early planning is the key to promoting good <br />working relations between private industry and the State related to wildlife protection. CDOW also believes these <br />proposed innovative reclamation approaches will serve as a boiler plate for future reclamation efforts should the <br />Mine expand into the Collum Drainange. Please fell free to contact District Wildlife Manager Jon Wangnild at <br />970-878-6067 should you or your staff have further questions regarding this comment letter. Thank you! <br />Sincerely, <br />Ron D. Velarde <br />Northwest Regional Wildlife Manager <br />RV:jw <br />cc: Bill deVergie, Meeker Area Wildlife Manager <br />Jon Wangnild, Meeker North District Wildlife Manager <br />Brad Petch, Meeker Area Wildlife Conservation Biologist <br />Darby Finley, Meeker Area Terrestrial Biologist <br />file <br />