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i <br />The gravel pit lies in an area where native vegetation provides foraging, nesting, and cover habitats for numerous <br />species of wildlife. The removal and disturbance of native vegetation for the construction of the above gravel pit <br />and associated roads will negatively impact the native wildlife species associated with this project area. Upon <br />rehabilitation of gravel pit, negative impacts to native wildlife can be offset by planting a suitable mixture of <br />native grass/forb/shrub seed. Seed plantings on disturbed soils will have greater germination and survival rates <br />when the soil surface has been prepared to hold moisture and runoff precipitation. <br />If the reclaimed area is converted into a pond at the site, create a shoreline mosaic of shallow areas with wetland <br />vegetation such as cattails and rushes to benefit waterfowl and other wildlife. If the pond is stocked in the future <br />with fish, consult with the CDOW as to desirable species composition. This would also introduce an opportunity <br />to open these ponds up to public fishing access. <br />These comments will relieve stress on wildlife in the area. We would anticipate that long-term impacts to wildlife <br />from the proposed gravel pit should be minimal as long as the activity plans to be completed within the quickest <br />time frame possible and reclaimed immediately. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal. <br />Please contact your local District Wildlife Manger, Mike Swaro at (970)-878-6068 if you have any questions. <br />Sincerely, <br />Bill deVergie, Area Wildlife Manager <br />Meeker Service Center <br />Po Box 1181 <br />Meeker, Colorado 81641 <br />cc: Ron Velarde, NW Regional Manager <br />Bill deVergie, AWM <br />Mike Swaro, DWM <br />Ed Winters, Land Use Specialist