2013-04-15_PERMIT FILE - M2013007

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come down to the valley, increasing damage to agriculture fields coupled with a significant increase in highway crossings. The proposed Uncompahgre Pit will affect winter range for mule deer and elk through direct habitat loss and increased stress to ungulates during their most stressful time of year. Ceasing winter mining activity from December 15 through April 30th, will minimize stress to wintering ungulates. Proper re- vegetation with appropriate native plant seeding similar to current species composition will help restore the winter range and minimize affect on winter range over the long term. It will be important to minimize road structure and disturbance to the surrounding treed slopes of the pit area to minimize habitat loss, fragmentation and spread of weeds. Outside of direct removal of sagebrush habitat, the introduction and spread of invasive weeds poses the second greatest threat to sagebrush habitat loss through increased fire frequency, erosion, and decreased plant species diversity. Proper re- vegetation will be important for re- establishing habitat for all wildlife species that currently utilize this area. A mix consisting of shrubs and forbs and to a lesser extent grasses will be needed for natural habitat restoration. CPW suggests a seeding mix of Daisy Fleabane at 11b per acre, Dusty Penstemon at 11b per acre, Sulfer flower Buckwheat at 2lbs per acre, Small Burnet at 3lbs per acre, and Sagebrush at 1 l per acre. Galleta, Indian Ricegrass, Winterfat, Shadscale, Scarlet Globemallow, Bottlebrush, Rabbitbrush, Four - winged Saltbrush would also be god to mix in. CPW recommends avoiding Crested Wheatgrass or Pubescent Wheatgrass as they tend to out compete native plants and don't provide quality forage for wildlife. The specific area of the proposed pit, Moonlight Mesa, was where the last confirmed sighting was recorded for Gunnison sage - grouse from the Sims Mesa population. In January of 2013 the USFWS proposed to list the Gunnison sage - grouse under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The listing proposal includes maps identifying "critical habitat" essential to the conservation of the species. The proposed gravel pit project falls within an area mapped by the USFWS as critical habitat for Gunnison sage - grouse because it contains physical and biological habitat features essential to the conservation of the species. CPW recommends that DRMS and the operator consult with the USFWS to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act. If you have further questions please contact Matt Ortega, 970 - 209 -2367, or myself. ncerel�c�- .,___ c___P Renzo DelPiccolo Area Wildlife Manager 970.252.6010 cc: Matt Ortega -DWM, Patt Dorsey -SW Region Manager