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STATE OF COLORADO <br />Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES C <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE <br /> <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OF <br />Thomas E. Remington, Director <br />6060 Broadway <br />O <br />For Wildlife- <br />Denver, Colorado 80216®?? <br />hone: (303) 297-1192 <br />Tele For People <br />p <br />wildlife. state. co. us <br />\ <br />p?`?ec?sa+y July 26, 2010 <br />?QQ? <br />Brock Bowles, Environmental Protection Specialll;lt,,jO,`rgzs"N <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />Room 215 <br />1313 Sherman Street <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />RE: Yoast Mine (Permit No. C-1994-082) <br />Technical Revision Application No. 48 (TR-48) <br />Aspen/Woody Plant Density Standards <br />Dear Mr. Mathews: <br />The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has reviewed the Seneca Coal Company LLC request to revise <br />the woody plant density standards for the Yoast Mine. CDOW concurs that changes and clarifications to <br />the woody plant density standards would be helpful. <br />The proposed revisions to the mining and reclamation plan would provide additional clarification to the <br />reclamation standards. With reference to the statement on page 56, "Grazing and browsing by livestock <br />and wildlife also contribute to the mortality or dwarfing of the reappearing woody plants. While <br />reinvasion and natural regeneration of shrubs will greatly aid in re-establishing shrubs on the landscape, <br />these factors are a significant barrier toward achieving a plant community which closely approaches pre- <br />mine densities," CDOW suggests that domestic livestock grazing be banned in reclamation areas to <br />encourage woody plant growth. While wildlife grazing may be difficult to control, we can and should <br />control livestock grazing in these areas. <br />_ We have appreciated the opportunity to work together with Seneca Coal Company, L.L.C. to benefit <br />wildlife. If you have any questions please contact Steve Znamenacek, District Wildlife Manager at (970) <br />472-4409. <br />Sincerely,,% <br />James M. Haskins <br />Area Wildlife Manager, Area 10 <br />Steamboat Springs <br />cc: Ron Velarde. Dean Riggs, Area File, Steve Znamenacek <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Mike King, Executive Director <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Tim Glenn, Chair • Robert Streeter, Vice Chair • Mark Smith, Secretary <br />Members, David R. Brougham • Dennis Buechler • Dorothea Farris • Allan Jones • John Singletary • Dean Wingfield <br />Ex Officio Members, Mike King and John Stulp