2010-07-27_REVISION - M1977223 (12)

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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Thomas E. Remington, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colonedo 80216 Telephone: (303) 297 -1192 wildlife. state. co. us Date 3 -27 -2010 R&M -1977 -223, (Wiley Pit) Amendment Application Dear Mr. Gagiiario, G 11 ., OF ` For Wildlife- For People Thank you for the opportunity to comment on M -1977 -223 amendment application. Our goal at the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) is to provide complete, consistent and timely information to all entities who request comment on matters within our statutory authority and our mission -which is to protect, preserve, enhance and manage wildlife and their environment for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of Colorado and its visitors. District Wildlife Manager Rick Gardner recently visited the site. The area, as described in the application form, primarily consists of pasture or rangeland with agricultural lands around it and does not differ significantly from that described in the original 112 MRLB permit application Wildlife expected at the site consists of small ground - dwelling mammals, ground - nesting birds, red fox, coyotes, and passerine birds as well as larger mammals such as deer moving through the area. Current CDOW policy directs our efforts towards proposals that will potentially have high impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat. The emphasis of the Division's concerns is on large acreages, critical habitats, wildlife diversity, and impacts to species of special concern, or those which are state or federally endangered. Due to current uses and location of the proposed site, impacts of the development, as proposed, may be characterized as minimal. This may not mean that the landscape has no value to wildlife or value to the community. Therefore, in this case, we want to focus our recommendations on planning and implementing your proposal to minimize negative impacts and maximize potential enhancements_. Reclamation of the site following the mining sh ould u til ize the _ stockpiled topsoil and native vegetation to the greatest extent possible. are should be taken during pit operation to minimize adverse impacts to wildlife that may be present such as waterfowl which may use the created reservoir as a resting area. If you have any further questions, please contact Rick Gardner at 719- 940 -3585 Sincerely�� Travi�'Black Area Wildlife Manager DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Mike King, Enec tAm Director WiLDUFE COMMISSION, Tim Glenn, Chair • Robert Streeter, Vim Chair • Mark Smith, Secretary Members, David R. Brougham • Dennis Sued>fer • Dorothea Farris • Ailan Jones • John Singletary • Dean Wingleld Ex Ofiido Members, Mke King and John Stulp