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Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting -Grand County, Colorado <br />May 19, 2009 <br />Page 15 of 18 <br />and gas development to reduce impacts during the Sage Grouse breading season is that the noise be eliminated <br />by 9:00. The intent is not to shut down the gravel operation. <br />Mr. Sidener stated that for the 340 permit reclamation, a seed mix is recommended to be used that would be <br />beneficial for the Sage Grouse. The Division of Wildlife would help with the reclamation. The Division will <br />provide the seed. <br />Mr. Sidener stated that Bar Lazy J operates on the Division of Wildlife property under a Commercial Use <br />Permit. They are in the process of reviewing the use of the trails to help them with the concern over the horses <br />and traffic. <br />Pat Shaw asked about the 340 pit reclamation. Mr. Clark stated that he has not discussed that with Wes Palmer <br />yet. The original thought was one more year. Mr. Clark stated that he would prefer to move into the new site. <br />If the applicant moves into the new site sooner, the reclamation work can begin on the old site. <br />Commissioner Newberry asked about the additional landscaping in the 340 Pit. Mr. Clark stated that the <br />County can request an amendment to do add more landscaping. <br />Commissioner Newberry asked about the Sage Grouse habitat in the two pits. Ms. Clement stated that she <br />understands that the 340 Pit is where is the primary lek is located. Sometimes the Sage Grouse gets flushed and <br />they move to the County Road 3 Pit. During the breading time, the noise from the gravel pit operation will <br />disrupt the lek. Ms. Clement stated that she understands that mating season is from March 15 to May 15. <br />Commissioner Newberry stated that he supports the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the operation. <br />Commissioner Bumgarner concurs on the hours. There are two pits in that area that are not restricted by those <br />hours. The applicant is closing a pit that will be used for a lek. Commissioner Bumgarner reiterated that he is <br />in favor of the hours of operation to be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. <br />Mr. Clark stated that when the applicant started crushing at the 340 Pit, the lek was about .25 mile away. The <br />Sage Grouse moved up to the benches created by the mining of the pit. They come back every year. Ms. <br />Clement stated that she has found that Sage Grouse like airport runways and county roads. <br />Mr. Sidener stated that a mining operation or oil or gas permit on BLM property does not allow use from April <br />1 to June 15 because of the Sage Grouse. Mr. Sidener concurred that the Sage Grouse is sometimes attracted to <br />a disturbed area. <br />Ms. Underbrink Curran stated that 99 percent of the time the County does what is requested to be done by the <br />Division of Wildlife. Occasionally, the County does not agree with the Division of Wildlife. <br />Chairman Stuart stated that the time the DOW would like the operation shut down is the applicant's crucial time <br />to have the supply. The County works well with the DOW but there are times that we have to disagree. <br />Commissioner Bumgarner moved to approve the County Road 3 Gravel Pit Special Use Permit with changing <br />Recommendation No. 16 to read County Road 3, not County Road 340 and deleting the portion of <br />Recommendation 19 pertaining to wash plants, concrete plants, and asphalt plants. <br />The motion passed unanimously. <br />Commissioner Bumgarner moved to close the public hearing. <br />The motion passed unanimously. <br />Staff is directed to work with Sky Lark Ranch and the Division of Wildlife regarding the reclamation of the 340 <br />pit. <br />Board Business