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n <br /> <br />Wildlife Mitigation Plan <br />'Gosney and Sons, Inc Gravel Mining Operations <br />Bayfield, Colorado <br />Introduction <br />The purpose of this document is to discuss the plans of Gosney <br />and Sons, Inc to mitigate the effects to wildlife of the proposed <br />mining operations in Phases 2 and 3 of the Master Plan. In <br />addition, by virtue of its proximity, it will include mitigation <br />efforts in portions of the previously mined area, Phase 1. <br />As this plan will indicate, we are willing to incorporate <br />wildlife enhancing measures with our regular reclamation <br />procedures. Measures to mitigate the effects of the mining <br />operation, the proposed reclamation activities and the conceptual <br />pond and shoreline design will also be discussed. <br />Existing Wildlife Habitat <br />Four.general types of wildlife habitat occur within and adjacent <br />to the project area: 1) terrestrial habitat associated with <br />Gambel Oak vegetation; 2) habitat for species requiring open <br />water, that was created by the previous mining activities; 3) <br />wetlands located to the west and south of the project area; <br />and 4) riparian and riverine habitat that is associated with <br />the Pine River, further west. This plan primarily addresses <br />the terrestrial habitat that will be interrupted by the mining <br />processes, but also addresses the water and shoreline habitat <br />as this habitat is created by the mining operation. <br />Mining activities would primarily occur in the areas consisting <br />of Gambel oak vegetation. This area consists of a relatively <br />open canopy and contains chokecherry, serviceberry and hawthorns <br />with a few scattered ponderosa pine trees. Wildlife species <br />that would be affected by the mining activities would include <br />those that require this type of habitat. The Colorado Division <br />of Wildlife has provided a list of species from its database <br />that could potentially occur in riparian and agricultural lands <br />of La Plata County, Colorado. From this list, it is predicted <br />-that- species that_ina_X .occ-u.r -in_ zh_e Gambel oak habitat of the <br />project area include mule deer, Merriam's turkey, blue grouse, <br />Nuttall's cottontail, least chipmunk, red squirrel, northern <br />pocket gopher, brush mouse, vole species, porcupine, coyote, <br />red fox, raccoon, skunk, bobcat, snake species, and a variety <br />of small bird species. <br />A pair of bald eagles has been observed approximately 0.75 miles <br />south of the existing pond by the Colorado Division of Wildlife; <br />although they apparently have built a nest, they reportedly <br />have not produced any young. At this time we know of no <br />particular actions we can take to assist the eagles. <br />Hearing on Permit No. M-1987-038 <br />Bayfield Pit No. 1