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Meadows Mine <br />Page 2 <br />The reclamation plan and the MRCS recommendation adequately address reclamation and <br />should be followed. It appears that all other wildlife concerns have been addressed and if <br />followed, the reclamation plan should improve habitat conditions for all species. <br />During the construction phase of the development, there is a strong potential for the <br />introduction of exotic and noxious weeds on disturbed soil. musk thistle, Canada thistle, <br />diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, cheat grass, common mullein, field bindweed, leafy <br />spurge, and Russian olive are just a few of the detrimental plants that often become <br />established with disturbance. These weeds will decrease biological diversity, out-compete <br />native vegetation, and receive less use from wildlife if allowed to establish during or after <br />construction. Their propensity to spread rapidly and take over is extremely detrimental to <br />native habitats. Weed control practices including spraying, using weed-free hay and mulch, <br />planting native species, cleaning earth moving equipment before and after use on the ranch <br />and active monitoring are recommended throughout the construction and reclamation <br />process. <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife appreciates the opportunity to comment on the ongoing mining <br />operations and proposed reclamation plan. Please contact District Wildlife Manager Ron Zaccagnini at <br />719-748-0129 for any additional information. <br />Sincerely, <br />Reid DeWalt <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />cc: S. Yamashita, K. Preen; R. Zaccagnini