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There are several existing roads in the area, and the CDOW recommends improving existing roads and using <br />those to access the mine sites versus creating new roads. This would help to minimize habitat fragmentation as <br />well as disturbance to existing wildlife. <br />With the increased human activity at the East Chance Mine, the spread and control of noxious weeds becomes -a <br />concern for wildlife. Invasive plants endanger the ecosystem by disturbing natural processes and jeopardizing the <br />survival of native plants and the wildlife that depends on them. Colorado law requires that invasive noxious <br />weeds are managed and controlled through standard weed maintenance and controls. We recommend that <br />Nuvemco, LLC continually control noxious weeds on Davis Mesa on any and all roads used. In areas where <br />existing or new roads cross drainages that have even temporary flow, the CDOW supports the control of tamarisk <br />to prevent further infestation. <br />The Dolores River contains three BLM-designated Sensitive Species of fish that are also of great concern to <br />DOW: bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub. These species are declining and are sensitive to <br />any additional water depletions or changes in water quality in the Dolores River Basin. If any water is necessary <br />for mining operations, please contact the BLM and the CDOW to discuss how to manage your operations to <br />provide adequate protection for these species. <br />Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Last Chance Mine. Please contact the Bureau <br />of Land Management and the CDOW to identify suitable off-site habitat enhancement projects to mitigate for <br />direct and indirect losses of big game severe winter range habitat. Our field personnel are available to assist you <br />with designing these projects and selecting a location with the highest potential for success. <br />If you have further questions please contact myself or District Wildlife Manager Tony Bonacquista at (970) 864- <br />7109. <br />Sincerely <br />Renzo DelPiccolo <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />2300 South Townsend Ave. <br />Montrose, CO. 81401 <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />cc: Tony Bonacquista-District Wildlife Manager, Tom Spezze-Southwest Region Manager