2009-02-26_PERMIT FILE - M2009018 (9)

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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCloskey, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 wildlife.siatexa us COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE STATEMENT AND EVALUATION ?f O? OF For Wildlife- For People Project; Heintzelman Project located in the E/2E/2; Section 32; Township 3N, Range 67W; 6°i P.M.; Weld County, Colorado Oaerator/Applicant: Varra Companies Inc. Wildlife Species List: Potential wildlife to use this area, including seasonal use - Mammals - deer, coyote, fox, skunk, raccoon, rabbit, various rodents Birds - Various passerines, geese, ducks, may be used as feeding area for various raptors Site also likely used by various reptiles Significant wildlife resources on the lands to be affected, including endangered and/or critical species on a Federal or State List that will be impacted including any seasonal presence and estimated population: There is a wetland running from southwest to northeast in the southern portion of the property. It is my understanding that this wetland has been designated as a jurisdictional wetland by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). It is further my understanding that current plans call for leaving the wetland as it is. Efforts should be made to prevent pollutants from mining operations from entering the wetland area Any disturbance to the wetland will require further prior consultation with USACE. The area falls within the range of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) and Ute ladies' tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis). The site should be surveyed to determine the presence/absence of these species and consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is recommended. Assessment of impacts including any temporary or permanent loss of food or habitat, interference with migratory routes, and the general effect on the wildlife from increased human activity including noise: The site currently consists of disturbed agricultural fields. Eventual conversion of the area into ponds and the reestablishment of native vegetation should provide a number of benefits to various wildlife species, especially waterfowl. The ponds may be stocked with fish. Reclamation Recommendations: Ponds should be irregularly shaped to maximize available shoreline; simple square, circular or rectangular shapes should be avoided. Jetties and islands will provide nesting habitat for waterfowl. In addition to grading of pond walls at 3h:1 v, construction of shallower areas (5h: Iv to 10h:1 v) will aid the establishment of aquatic vegetation and aquatic invertebrates. The placement of structures such as dead trees, togs, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Emc uWe Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Jeffrey Crawford, Chair • Tom Burke, Vice Chair a Care O'Neal, Secretary Members, Robert Bray • Brad Coors • Rick Ensfrom . Richard Ray • James McAnally . Ken Torres R tT C C 1 V E U, Ex Offdo, Members, Russell George and Don Ament ..I. ,,,7