2010-01-21_PERMIT FILE - M2009082 (11)

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reclaimed gravel pond). Phasing, configuration and timing of mining and reclamation activities have been designed to limit impacts to eagle habitat based on the current location of the nest. Several protection and enhancement measures will be incorporated into the operation and reclamation plans to protect the current active bald eagle nest: • No mining activity will be conducted within '/z mile of the nest from November 15 through July 31. • No mining activity will be conducted within '/ mile of the nest throughout the year with the exception of development of an 18± acre wetland silt pond created just north of the river. The work to create this pond will be conducted over a 2 year period and will be limited to August 15 to October 15 to protect the occupied nest site. A wetland basin will be created through management of water and planting of native wetland plant species. The purpose of this silt basin is not only to dispose of smaller materials but also to develop a wetland adjacent to the river that will attract waterfowl and other wildlife species used as a food source for the eagles. • The river corridor will be protected from all mining activity by a 200 foot buffer. • Existing wetlands identified in 2007 will not be impacted by mining operations under the current Reclamation Plan. Any future changes to the Reclamation Plan that require an unavoidable impact to jurisdictional wetlands (such as a road crossing) would require coordination with the US Army Corp of Engineers and may involve obtaining the necessary permits under the Clean Water Act. • Coordination will be conducted annually with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to monitor the eagle nesting location and activity. Protection measures will be reviewed and coordinated with the Colorado Division of Wildlife should the eagles relocate their nest. • Coordination will be conducted annually with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to monitor the locations and activities of existing and new raptor nests. Additional wildlife enhancement measures include: • In consultation with the US Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) or other qualified grazing specialists, develop and implement a suitable grazing plan for the riparian corridor that will promote restoration of a quality riparian pasture while discouraging colonization of the site by invasive plant species. This plan may involve limitations on the season of use and possibly a temporary rest. • A weed management program will be undertaken to control noxious and invasive plant species and to replace those species with native and naturalized vegetation. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) will be treated by a combination of mowing at regular intervals and herbicides used at the appropriate times and applications levels. Please see the attached Weed Management Plan. • Riparian areas are one of the most important wildlife habitats in Eastern Colorado. This reclamation plan is being designed to maximize the upland riparian habitats by returning the mined areas to native upland habitats, native riparian habitats, and created wetlands. The plan will provide the most favorable habitats for wildlife through creation of edge by providing gentle slope transitions between riparian and wetland habitats and by limiting open water adjacent to the riparian zone. Restoring these areas from upland cultivated fields to wetlands and native wetland and riparian species will allow restoration of important Parsons Mine DRMS 112 Reclamation Permit Application Page E4 of E9