2014-03-25_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M2014008

Home Browse Search

March 20, 2014 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway • Denver, Colorado 80216 Phone (303) 297 -1192 cpw.state.co.us Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety Department of Natural Resources Attn: Elliott R. Russell, Environmental Protection Specialist 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 Re: Washington County, Yakutat Land Pit, File No. M- 2014 -008 Dear, Mr. Russell, RECEIVED MAR 2 5 2014 DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING AND SAFETY Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) would like to thank you for the opportunity to c_ o_m_ men_t_ on the proposed sand, clay, and gravel pit in Washington County. The property in question is rangeland with interspersed C.R.P. and cropland. 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, pronghorn, and greater prairie chickens are likely to move into and across the rangeland seasonally. Other small mammals and birds 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 wildlife and they will likely move elsewhere. This operation will fragment the area and remove or disturb habitat for some 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, CPW 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. cc: S. Yamashita, T. Kroening, D. Lane STATE OF COLORADO John W. Hickenlooper, Governor • Mike King, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray • Chris Castilian, Secretary • Jeanne Home Bill Kane, Chair • Gaspar Perricone • James Pribyl . John Singletary Mark Smith, Vice-Chair • James Vigil • Dean Wingfield • Michelle Zimmerman Ex Officio Members: Mike King and John Salazar