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ATE OF COLORADO • Richard D. Lamm, Governor DEPA RTMENT OFNATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE Jack R. Grieb, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 (825-1192) C.~~I~ Ian _r ... .-- ... .... ......._~Fr ~,,. play 28, 1980 TO Carol Pahlke Division of Mined Land Reclamation PROM: Al [Jhitaker ~-l Wildlife Program Specialist III III III III IIII III `p1A RA00 3s~~' o~ V ~~ OF ~ SUBJ: P1itigation for Sage Grouse Habitat Disturbance in North Park The enclosed letter from Clait~Braun to Jim Miller should be self- explanatory. It is the opinion of this agency that fertilization of 90 acres of sagebrush habitat will substantially mitigate. the anticipated habitat losses at the Wyoming Fuelssite. I have discussed the opinions of the Wyoming biologist with Clait and we believe that regardless of what has been alleged, the cir- cumstances in ldyoming are not tl~e same as those in North Park, Colo- rado. Ide feel that the research done by this agency definitely shows that nitrogen fertilization enhances sagebrush growth and condition. ide further feel that such enhancement will enhance the sagegrouse which are dependent on the sagebrush, not to mention deer, antelope, sage thrashers, sage voles and other wildlife species. With regard to the concentration of sagegrouse on areas denuded of snow by coal dust -- although this would make some winter habitat more available to the birds, it c/ould not increase or improve the winter habitat resource. It could result in long-Germ damage to the affected sagebrush because it could be over-utilized by the grouse. The practice will also concentrate the grouse which can expose them to greater predation and disease. It is known t;Tat fly ash contains various toxic elements and this agency could, not support spreading of this material to cause snow melt. While it was noted Chat male grouse were displaying on some new spoil piles this spring, they were also displaying on highways and anywhere else which was snow free. This was breeding activity by male birds and the lack of females indicate that little, if any, reproduction was realized. LJl~en the snow finally melted, the birds utilized their habitual strutting grounds. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Harris Sherman, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Michael Higbee, Chairman Wilbur Redden, V~re Chavmen • Sam Caud dl, Sru claiy I?an f; ionl ,., mhcr V+•~+.nr ~ `ASII~a ms, ,~~+~..•+