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fish; the Colorado Pikeminnow, Razorback Sucker, Bonytail, and Humpback Chub. According <br />to the Otter Creek Reclamation plan two new lakes will be created. These lakes may provide <br />habitat for non - native sport fish, which may colonize these lakes or be introduced illicitly. These <br />non - native fishes have been found to be detrimental to native Colorado River fishes, and any <br />outlets into the 33 Road Drain, which ultimately reaches the Colorado River, should be screened <br />to prevent non - native fish from these new impoundments reaching the Colorado River. <br />This area currently provides valuable habitat to many wildlife species, and wildlife usage may <br />decrease with increased disturbance. During mining, impacts to wildlife can be reduced by <br />allowing mature cottonwoods to remain standing. This will maintain habitat as well as ensure <br />bank stabilization and other positive benefits. Minimizing night mining activities may benefit <br />wildlife by enabling them to maintain use of the area as a movement corridor or hunting grounds. <br />If heavy equipment is acquired that was previously working in another stream, river, lake, pond, <br />or wetland within 10 days of working on this project, one of the following disinfection practices <br />is necessary to prevent the spread of New Zealand Mud Snails and other aquatic hitchhikers into <br />this drainage. These practices are also necessary after project completion, prior to this <br />equipment being used in another stream, river, lake, pond, or wetland, for the same purpose: <br />• Remove all mud and debris from equipment (tracks, turrets, buckets, drags, teeth, <br />etc.) and the equipment must be kept dry for 10 days OR <br />• Remove all mud and debris from equipment (tracks, turrets, buckets, drags, teeth, <br />etc.) and spray /soak equipment with a 1:1 solution of Formula 409 Household <br />Cleaner and water. Keep equipment moist for at least 10 minutes OR <br />• Remove all mud and debris from equipment (tracks, turrets, buckets, drags, teeth, <br />etc.) and spray /soak equipment with water greater than 130 degrees F for at least 10 <br />minutes. <br />• Clean hand tools, boots, and any other equipment that will be used in the water using <br />one of the above options as well. <br />Once mining is complete, all ponds created by reclamation efforts could potentially have <br />significant value to wildlife. To maximize this benefit, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends <br />that ponds be designed to include irregular shorelines and one or more islands to provide cover, <br />shelter, and nesting areas. Islands should be at least 15' x 25' in size per 2 surface acres of <br />water. Shoreline and island slopes should be graded to a ratio of 4 horizontal to 1 vertical <br />distance, with some areas having slopes no steeper than 8 horizontal to 1 vertical distance. Such <br />shallow areas will allow for establishment of a variety of types of aquatic vegetation and <br />invertebrate prey for waterfowl. <br />Planting a variety of native wetland plant species at appropriate locations will provide a diverse <br />wetland habitat that will have long term benefits to wildlife, public viewing, and increased <br />aesthetic value. The lake bed itself can be enhanced by varying the contours and structure. For <br />example, the addition of downed trees and shrubs can, provide habitat and cover to aquatic <br />wildlife. <br />2 <br />