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County has been significantly compromised and limited and future development planned in this area will <br />continue to adversely affect critical wildlife habitat. <br />Winter operation of the pit, between November 15 and April 15, will likely have an effect on wintering <br />big game. However, using the applicants previous winter haul counts (2007-2009) indicate that the <br />average daily vehicle use of the haul road between November and April are 281, 39, 7, 5, 23, 245 <br />respectively with November and April incurring the highest numbers of vehicles throughout this period. <br />These haul counts coupled with reduced operation during the winter will help reduce the impact to <br />wintering wildlife. <br />Additionally, greater sage grouse (GRSG) habitat occurs within the property and surrounding properties. <br />Use of GRSG in the area was confirmed in November 2009 by DOW staff. Currently, the GRSG is <br />under review by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for listing under the Endangered Species <br />Act. The time of year, that GRSG utilize this area is unconfirmed, however likely is during the nesting <br />and wintering periods of time due to the proximity to Smith Creek and adjacent willow areas. <br />Of additional concern is the use of the surrounding property outside of the actual permit area. Utilizing <br />rotational grazing by livestock will help reduce the impact to the surrounding sagebrush, grass, and forb <br />component. Noxious weeds occurrence on the property is minimal and practices to prevent noxious <br />weeds from the surrounding areas should be practiced. All fencing planned within the property is <br />planned to be compliant with CDOW wildlife friendly fencing practices. <br />Finally, in the area, wildlife must remain undisturbed at critical times of the year, winter range must be <br />maintained for winter survival, and migration routes/corridors must be maintained between summer and <br />winter ranges. <br />Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on the proposed gravel pit application. Please do not <br />hesitate to contact us with any other questions you might have. If you have further questions please <br />contact District Wildlife Manger Scott Murdoch at (970) 531-3708. <br />Sincerely, <br />- A . ?-- <br />Lyle H. Sidener <br />Area Wildlife Manager <br />Cc: Ron Velarde (CDOW) <br />Scott Murdoch (CDOW) <br />Kirk Oldham (CDOW)