Laserfiche WebLink
July 27, 2011 <br />Mr. Jim Aragon <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />Mr. Randy Hancock <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />Gentlemen: <br />MCQUAID LLC <br />LAURIE JACOBSON & BRIAN COGAN <br />24800 US HWY 285 8 <br />BUENA VISTA, CO 81211 <br />719405-2014 <br />This letter is to inform you of our desire to sustainably remove topsoil from the property <br />of Joe and Arlene Cogan located in Section 34&35 T14S R78W, otherwise known as the <br />old McQuaid place, upon which we operate a center -pivot irrigated field. We would . <br />also like to formally request your review of potential impact to wildlife and believe our <br />approach will warrant a finding of no significant impact". <br />As you are likely aware, the property has an abundance of topsoil (4 to 6 feet thick). <br />Given tougher economic times and the ever - present challenge of maintaining a <br />productive farming/ranching operation we have been forced to consider innovative <br />ways of utilizing our resources. The excess topsoil on our property is a resource in some <br />demand in the region for landscaping and reclamation. <br />Therefore, we intend to systematically remove and sell the excess topsoil over the <br />course of 20 years. Approximately 140 acres of the property under the pivot will be <br />excavated in approximately 10 -acre phases— each phase being replanted for future <br />haying/grazing before the next phase opens for topsoil removal. Using this approach, <br />only a small portion of the productive agriculture will be affected at any given time. In <br />the end, the property will be returned to full production agriculture. Further, as you are <br />aware, we periodically have deep - plowed our field to completely remove an existing <br />crop in order to plant a new one. That normal farming activity represents a much <br />greater impact (also temporary) on the land than our proposed topsoil project. <br />The topsoil operation will be simple excavation (with loader), screening of topsoil to <br />remove any rocks or organic debris, and loading of trucks. No structures will need to be <br />constructed. Fencing will remain the same to allow for ready access to the property by <br />13 <br />