2004-03-30_REVISION - M1979195 (2)

Home Browse Search

STATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE ~ AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCbskey, Acting Director soso Broadway Denver, Cdorado 80216 RECEIVED Telephone: (303) 297-1792 For t~ldlrfe- ForPeople March 27, 2004 IN1~ ~ o ~u0f J gP6i§ion of Minerals & GeoloBY Anthony J. Waldron Division of Minerals and Geology Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St. Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Suburban Sand & Gravel, Road Runner Rest, Permit No. M-1979-195 ~ ~ ~/1 ~'~ Dear Mc Waldron; `, \ Thank you for the opportunity to continent on the Reclamation Permit Amendment Application for the above project. The following letter constitutes the comments of the Division of Wildlife regazding the mine site. This amendment will affect only the reclamation plan and will have no effect on the overall acreage or the mining plan. The primary impact of this amendment will be the removal of the embankment between the adjacent Hazeltine (M-1977-153) water storage reservoir, changes to seeding, and weed control. As mentioned in the amendment application, there is currently heavy usage of the mining area by wildlife, particulazly waterfowl. The value of the area to wildlife can be enhanced if certain measures are employed during reclamation. The 120'" Avenue extension project demands the creation of one continuous reservoir from the original two reservoirs that were to be created by mining permits M-1979-195 and M-1977-153. The creation of one continuous storage reservoir will benefit wildlife by making a larger contiguous open area with significant habitat value. However, this area will be most beneficial if the shores and the bottom are not a uniform depth or slope. Additionally, small islands throughout the reservoir will be highly beneficial, especially if there are ogre or more islands of at least 15' x 25' in size per 2 surface acres of water. Shoreline and island slopes should be a maximum of 4H: 1 V, with some areas having slopes no steeper than 8H: I V. Such shallow areas will allow for establishment of a variety oftypes ofaquatic vegetation and invertebrate prey for waterfowl This type of shoreline, coupled with a planting of a variety of native wetland plan[ species will allow for a variation in wetlands to be established which will have long tens benefits to wildlife, public viewing, and increased aesthetic value. The lake bed should have varied contours and strtret7ae, such as downed trees and shrubs, should be placed in the ponds to provide habitat and cover to aquatic wildlife. The changes outlined in the seed mix are appropriate and highly recommended. Arty trees or shrubs that must be removed from the site should be left in the pond as fish habitat. The addition of submerged trees and other vegetation and will greatly increase the value of the pond to aquatic organisms. Trees and shntbs that should be considered in the revegetation effort are eastern red color, rocky mountain juniper, native plum, arld willow. The spread and control of noxious weeds on the site is a concern for wildlife. Weeds are defined as "a plant that interferes with management objectives for a given area of land at a given point in time" (R'ltitson, 1999). The DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Executive Duedor WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Ph3p James, Char • Jeffrey Crawford, Vice-Chair • Brad Phelps, Seaehary Members, Bernard Blade • Tom Burke • Ride Enstmm • Claire O'Neal • Robert Shoemaker • Ken Torres Ex Olfido Members, RusseO George and Don AmeM