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F' <br />i* <br />servioeberry, and sagebrush. It was also agreed that winter use primarily by elk was a factor negatively affecting <br />shrub recruitment. <br />During the tour, the Mine and DWM Wangnild discussed the possibility ofehanging reclamation efforts in the new ffort permit area. Specific changes would ideally be focused on dramatically varying topsoil <br />establishment. eOne example <br />mimic natural depths and thus provide more suitable environments for woody species <br />ofthis would be to create some sites with extremely shallow topsoil designed at reducing grass stand establishment <br />and their resulting competition with shrubs for water and soil nutrients. Another example would be toga ate other <br />sites with extremely deep topsoil depths. These sites would ideally benefit woody species like Pe <br />chokecherry. <br />Another idea discussed during the tour revolves around increasing naturally snow holing capability of proposed <br />reclaimed sites. The Mine felt this would best be accomplished by increasing contours and topography during <br />reclamation efforts. Tdeally,.this would provide pockets of greater snow depth thus increasing young shrub <br />protection from elk and deer in the fall, winter, and spring while, at the same time, increasing soil moisture. <br />The CDOW appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on this proposed permit expansion. The CROW also <br />appreciates the efforts made by the Mine to include CROW in the early planning stages of this proposed <br />expansion. The CDOW believes this early planning is the key to promoting good working relations between <br />private industry and the State related to wildlife protection. Please fill free to contact District Wildlife Manager <br />Jon Wangnild at 970-878-6067 should you or your staff have further questions regarding this comment letter. <br />Thank you! <br />Sincerely, <br />Ron Velarde <br />Northwest Regional Wildlife Manager <br />RVjw <br />cc: Bill deVergie, meeker Area Wildlife Manager <br />ion Wangnild,Meeker North District Wildlife Manager <br />Brad Petch, Meeker Area Wildlife Conservation Biologist <br />Darby Finley, Meeker Area Terrestrial Biologist <br />John Bredehoft, Assistant Director-Field Operations <br />4.15-21 Revision Date: 3/14/08 <br />Revision No.: TR-72