2011-01-20_PERMIT FILE - M2010075

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STATE OF COLORADO John W. Hickenlooper, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES t:1 [±; DIVISION OF WILDLIFE4 ?r tiq AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER O? OF Thomas E. Remington, Director 6060 Broadway For Wildlife- Denver, Colorado 80216 For People Telephone: (303) 297-1192 wildlife. state. co. us January 19, 2011 Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety X D artment of Natural Resources : Michael A. Cunningham, Environmental Protection Specialist 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 - " Re: Washington County Road and Bridge Department, 7Y Ranch Pit # 1, File No. M-2010-075 Dear Mr. Cunningham, 41-11 The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) would like to thank you for the opportunity to corn on the proposed sand, clay, and gravel pit in Washington County. The property in question is rangeland surrounded by areas of C.R.P. and farm land. This property does not have a high wildlife value; although that does not mean that the property has no value to wildlife. Seasonally, the wildlife use of the property may be different. Mule deer and pronghorn are likely to move into and across the rangeland seasonally. Pheasants and other small game wildlife will likely use the property year round. No threatened or endangered species occupy this property. However a State Species of Special Concern, the swift fox, has potential to utilize the property. During the operation of this open pit sand and gravel mine, wildlife will likely avoid the area. The noise and activity levels that are associated with the proposed operation will disturb area wildlife and they will likely move elsewhere. This operation will fragment the area and remove or disturb habitat for many species. Habitat loss caused by this operation will be long term to permanent depending upon the size and depth of the sand and gravel mine. Once the county is finished with the gravel/sand pit, the CDOW recommends that the property be restored to its pre-development state. This would include rebuilding the natural contours of the land and reseeding with a certified weed free native grass mix. If soil is brought in to accomplish this task, it should come from a certified weed free provider. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact District Wildlife Manager Devon Lane at (970) 842-2306. Sincerely, Tom Kroening Area Wildlife Manager cc: S. Yamashita, K. Green, D. Lane DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Mike King, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Tim Glenn, Chair • Robert Streeter, Vice Chair • Mark Smith, Secretary Members, David R. Brougham • Dennis Buechler. Dorothea Farris • Allan Jones • John Singletary • Dean Wingfield Ex Officio Members, Mike King and John Salazar