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STATE OF COLORADO <br />BIII Owens, Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES <br />DIVISION OF WILDLIFE -'~ <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER <br />Russell George, Director <br />6060 Broadway <br />Denver, Colorado 80216 <br />Telephone: (303) 297-1192 <br />RECEIVED <br />SFP 2 6 1002 ~ <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />~/ ~~~ IvifGtli{C <br />Sf-a fe,rlnea~fi" <br />c.°UO~o <br />3 0~ <br />'~p~, OF <br />For [old/Ife- <br />ForPeople <br />September 24, 2002 <br />Steve S. Shuey ,~ <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />1313 Sherman St.; Room 215 <br />Derner, CO 80203 <br />Dear Mr. Shuey: <br />I have visited the site of the proposed Allen Gravel Pit, No. M-2002-094,~fiear Redvate. The area <br />is used by a wide variety of wildlife, which include but is not limited to mule deer, elk, coyotes, ground <br />squirrels, prairie dogs, cottontail rabbits, mountain lions, golden eagles, bald eagles, Cooper's hawks. <br />pinion and gray jays, plus numerous rodent species as well as migratory song birds. <br />The site lies w'dttin mule deer severe winter range as well as a winter concentration area. This <br />means that during a winter of high snowfall, mule deer will be found here in large numbers. Even during <br />mild winters, mule deer numbers will be higher here than in other areas. The deer Use will primarily be <br />from October 15 to April 1 again depending upon the winter conditions, however some deer will remain <br />in the area year round. Elk may also be found in this area depending upon the winter conditions during <br />the same time frame. There is also considerable mule deer movement across the sRe from and to <br />Maverick Draw and the hay fields to the north. <br />While the Division of Wildlife does not wish to see any wildlife habitat destroyed, it does <br />recognize the need for construction material. The temporary loss of habitat should have little effect on <br />small game and rodent species in the area. Most of these will move to new locations until such time as <br />the property is reclaimed, then they will re•inhabit the site. <br />The temporary loss of the area as a food source will force the mule deer to concentrate in other <br />sRes and fields until such time as this site is reclaimed. This should have limited impact on the mute <br />deer herd, but could increase the impact of wintering wildlife on neighboring landowners. However, if <br />fhe site is not reclaimed or the land use status is changed, there wilt be an impact on the wintering deer <br />herd. <br />The actual mining operation, which includes the haul trucks and worker access, may have more <br />impact on the wintering mule deer than the temporary loss of habitat. With the increased traffic, the <br />potential for deer/automobile accidents increases. 7'he increase in traffic increases the effect that <br />vehicles already have on the deer herd that winters in this area. If possible, winter haul operations <br />should be limited to one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset or non-existent. <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg E. Welcher, Emcutiue D'eector <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Ride Enstrom, Chaff • Robert Shoemaker, Vioe,Chair • Marenna Raftopoubs, Seaetary <br />Members, Barnard Bledc • Tom Burke • Jetfiey Crawford • Phip James • Brad Phelps • OWe Vaktez <br />Ex-Oflfcio Members, Greg E. Wakfier and Don Ament <br />