PERMFILE60018

• Permit No: M1999021
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 4/8/1999
• Doc Name: STEGNER FARMS SAND AND GRAVEL MINE FN M-99-021
• From: DOW
• To: DMG
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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STATE OF COLORADO ~ III I II I II I II IIII III ` REFER TO:
Bdl Owens, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ~,O~~IID
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE ~~~~
AN EQUAL OPPOR'rUNrrY Ef~IAYER
John Mumma, Dirmor FORT COLL~OVS AREA OFFICE hQp`
6060 Broadway 317 West Prospect
Denver, Colorado 80216 Fort Collins, (:olorado 80526 For Wildlije-
Telephone (303) 297-I 192 Telephone [phone] For People
FAX [phone] FAX (970) 47::429
Apri15, 1999 RFCi~:~VED
Carl Mount APR ~' 8 1999
Division of Minerals & Geology ~ ~v ~I y,:,s~a~s & 6eolo9Y
1313 Sherman Street Room 215
Denver, CO 80203
RE: Stegner Farms Sand and Gravel Mine, File No. M-99-021
Deaz Mr. Mount:
I have reviewed this request to conduct surface extraction ofconstruction materials and reclamation. Based
on the infomlation in the application, and my knowledge of the area proposed for mining, I do not feel that
this proposal has significant potential to negatively impact vildlife or wildlife habitat. As always, it is
suggested that care be taken during mining to avoid excess :rosion, siltation, or dishlrbance of more land
than necessary to accorr>plish the project. I also suggest that the area be reasonabty reclaimed following
mining and revegetated with appropriate native plant species.
The conversion of agricultural fields into ponds is considered a benefit to wildlife by providing open water
for migrating waterfowl. Ifdone properly, construction of::uch ponds can also provide nesting habitat and
aquatic vegetation and invertebrates upon which waterfowl will forage. Additionally, such ponds can be
stocked with fish. I recommend that the two proposed ponds be constructed such as to marimi~e shoreline
by using an uTegular shape which includes jetty-type structures protruding into the pond where possible as
well as one or more islands in the nortliem most pond. in addition to a grading of 3h:1 v on the pond walls, I
suggest also constructing shallower areas (Sh:l v up to l Oh: l v) which will encourage growth of aquatic
vegetation and also invertebrate prey for waterfowl. Consider adding underwater topography/structure (e.g.
dead logs/trees, cement rip-rap, used tires chained together; to the ponds which will encourage growth of
aquatic vegetation and increase the presence of invertebrates. The Division of Wildlife has further
information and is available for assistance with this later corsideration
Finally, I recommend that as many trees presently standing on the site and outside the proposed ponds be
allowed to remain as they provide wildlife habitat including perches for roosting raptors and cover for deer,
rabbits, fox, coyote, skunks, raccoon, and reptiles.
Should you fcel there might be wildlife-related issues with this application which I am not awaze of, please
let me know. The Division of Wildlife appreciates this opportunity to comment on this mining project.
Ifyou have any questions, please contact me at (970)47::-4435. Thank you.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE!., Greg Watcher, Eseative Dveclor
WD-DLffE COMMISSION, Chuck Lewis, Chairman • Mark L.Valley, Vice Chavman • Bernard Black, Secretary