Laserfiche WebLink
11/18/2010 14:26 7195615321 <br /> <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />Bill Ritter, Jr., Govemor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />Thomas E. Remington, Director <br />6060 Broadway <br />Denver, Colorado 80216 <br />Telephone: (303) 297-1182 <br />wfldllfe.state.co, us <br />November 18, 2010 <br />Berh.an M Keffelew <br />1313 Sherman. St., Room 215 <br />Denver, CO 80203 <br />PAGE 02103 <br />of <br />For Wildlife- <br />For People <br />RE! CEDARWOOD CLAY MINE DBMS FILE NUMBER M-1977-317 CONVERSION AFPUCATI.ON <br />1.10c TO 1.12c <br />Dear Mr. Keffelew, <br />Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed expansion of the Cedarwood Clay Mine, Located <br />southeast of Colorado City in. Pueblo County, CO. The mission of the Colorado .Division, of Wildlife (CDOW) is <br />to protect, preserve, enhance, and rt?anage wi.ldli:fe and their environment for the use, benefit and enjoyment of the <br />people of Colorado and its visitors. One of the ways we achieve our mission is to comment on land use proposals <br />such as the request we received froze. your agency. Our goal is to provide complete, consistent and timely <br />information to all entities who request comment on matters within our statutory authority and our mission. <br />Our office appreciates the opportunity to review the proposed project. CDDOW anticipates minimal wildlife <br />impacts associated with the expansion of the Cedarwood Mine. <br />Throughout the length of the project there are areas of existing vegetation which are important to wildlife. This <br />vegetation is short grass prairie. The site is used primarily'by small mammals and. birds with some use by <br />pronghorn, mule deer, and the occasional elk. There are no known T&E,species on or near this area and wildlife <br />impacts by the construction will be minimal. This project is not located within or adjacent to any wetlands or. <br />flood plain. <br />The major concern at this location will be the control of invasive noxious weeds, Special care should be taken <br />when transporting materials to and from the site. Vehicles `should be inspected and cleaned frequently to prevent <br />the spread of invasive species. Reclamation of the mine is a concern of the Division of Wildlife. Non-vegetated <br />soil has the potential to erode and foster the establishment of noxious weeds. CDOW would. prefer that disturbed <br />sites be re-vegetated with suitable native grass species to help minimize erosion, aid in the prevention of noxious <br />weed establishment, and provide cover for some wildlife species. Recommendations for specific mixes in certain <br />habitats and soils for reolamation may also be discussed with Division of Wildlife or Natural Resource <br />Conservation Service (NRCS). <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Harris D. Sherman, Exewilve Director <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Robert Bray, Chair. Brad Coors, Vice Chair • Tim. Glenn, Secratary <br />Members, Dennis Buechler • Jeffrey Crawford . Dorothea Farris Roy MrAnally • Richard Ray.'Robert Streeter <br />Ex Of io Members,. Harris Sherman and John Stulp '