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• Fence livestock and/or wildlife out of newly reclaimed areas until reclamation standards have been met <br />and plants are capable of sustaining herbivory. <br />• Census and assess the utilization of the reclaimed areas by target species such as Columbian sharp-tailed <br />grouse and nesting raptors. <br />Reclamation seed mixes:. <br />The CDOW recommends a rangeland seed mix which contains a broad array of native grass; forb, and shrub <br />species desirable for wildlife, including Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and greater sage-grouse. Use high <br />diversity (10 species or more) reclamation seed mixes in Columbian sharp-tailed grouse habitat. Bunchgrass <br />over sod-forming grasses can be used in seed mixes in order to provide more effective wildlife cover and to <br />facilitate forb and shrub establishment. Avoid aggressive non-native grasses in Columbian sharp-tailed grouse <br />habitat reclamation (e.g., intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, <br />etc.). A small percentage (5% -10%) of the appropriate species of big sagebrush should be re-seeded on <br />disturbed sites. Reclamation of sage-grouse breeding habitat should include a substantially higher percentage of <br />forbs than other areas. Native and select non-native forbs and legumes should be considered a vital component <br />of reclamation seed mixes. Where slope is 10% or less, create seed mixes with approximately the following <br />percentages of plant types (on a Pure Live Seed basis): grass=40%, shrub=30%, forbs=30% in order to facilitate <br />forb and shrub establishment. <br />The known Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks with in 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the proposed pipeline have been <br />inactive in the last several years. There has been some sage grouse activity in the area within the last several <br />years but a consistent lek sight has not yet been identified. Impacts will be negligible on grouse species if <br />construction of the pipeline is after spring run-off (approximately June 1) as stated in the technical revision. <br />No significant impacts are anticipated from the technical revisions on big game species. <br />We have appreciated the opportunity to provide comments on this technical revision. If you have any questions <br />please contact District Wildlife Manager Steve Znamenacek at 970 846-3732. <br />Sincerelyy <br />James M. Haskins, Area Wildlife Manager <br />cc: Ron Velarde, Lisa Rossi, Steve Znamenacek, Jim Komatinsky <br />i.. iJ:.. 7'"'J <br /> <br />