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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.04 DOW CommentsSTATE OF COLORADO Bill Owens, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Bruce McCloskey, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 May 1, 2006 Fred Jarman Garfield County Planning Department 108 8th Street, Suite 201 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 RE: Hunt Ranch Subdivision -Sketch Plan Dear Mr. Jarman: C F D :4, _L. MAY 0 4 2006 GARFIELD COUNTY BUILDING & PLANNING For Wi ldlift- For People The Colorado Division of Wildlife staff has reviewed the request to subdivide 561 acres into 93 tracts. This property is adjacent to land tracts that are already subdivided into similar sized parcels. The home sites in this proposal have been clustered and 174 acre agricultural lot has been requested to continue to operate as a ranch. This area contains several important habitat areas for wildlife, including elk, mule deer, occasionally mountain lions, bears and numerous bird species. The property has been identified as big game winter range by the Division of Wildlife. Mule deer and elk use this area for resting, foraging and to move between different habitat areas. Studies have shown that habitat loss, conversion and fragmentation are the most serious issues facing wildlife. Despite this development, the Division believes this property is one of the few areas in Missouri Heights that could still be used to manage the elk herd that winters in this region. Development often removes management options but provides few alternatives to deal with problems. Although safety is a concern with the pending development, the DOW would recommend that an elk management plan be considered as an option by the developers. The damage created by protecting this herd could have substantial impacts to residents, landscaping and the agricultural businesses in the area. The DOW would be willing to assist with facilitating an agreement with the future owners The Division of Wildlife, local residents, and wildlife are experiencing problems with dogs running at large and harassing wildlife, especially wintering deer and elk. When elk and deer have to flee from dogs, they use energy stored for winter survival. Although a dead elk/deer is not immediately seen, stress and the energy used fleeing from dogs may cause their death at the end of winter or early spring before they can get the nutrition they need. Pet owners need to be responsible and in control of their pets at all times. Civil and criminal penalties are available to the Division of Wildlife if dogs are caught harassing wildlife. We would also recommend that the Homeowners Association actively encourage owners to control their pets and enact penalties for those that don't. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Russell George, Executive Director WILDUFE COMMISSION, Jeffrey Crawford, Chair • Tom Burke, Vice Chair • Claire O'Neal, Secretary Members, Robert Bray • Rick Enstrom • Philip James • Ken Torres • Richard Ray • Robert Shoemaker Ex Officio Members, Russell George and Don Ament If fencing is necessary, the Division would recommend that it be kept to a minimum and built to facilitate wildlife movements, optimize habitat availability, and reduce wildlife mortality. The Division of Wildlife has a pamphlet available "Fencing with Wildlife in Mind", which has acceptable fencing designs for wildlife and livestock. Other wildlife comments include: Black bears - although infrequent, black bears may wander into this area and we would recommended that all trash be stored in a bear -proof trash container, in a centralized locking dumpster or inside a garage so as to prevent conflicts with bears and other wildlife such as skunks and raccoons. The Division has a list of companies providing such containers if needed. Bears and other wildlife are also attracted to pet food left outside, hummingbird feeders, BBQ's and compost piles containing food items Mountain lions - although rarely seen, mountain lions frequent this area. There are preventive measures that residents can take to reduce the potential for conflicts. Brochures with this information are available through the DOW and should be distributed to all residents and visitors. Lastly, if horses are allowed, we recommend storing hay and grain in a manner that minimizes conflict with the local wildlife. Since deer and elk inhabit and move through this area, haystacks should be enclosed or surrounded by an 8 foot high mesh fence. Grain should be stored in bear -proof containers. Thank you for the opportunity to provide these comments. If you need additional information, please contact DWM Kelly Wood at 963-6523. Sincerely, Pat Tucker Area Wildlife Manager Cc: DOW — J.Bredehoft, R.Velarde, K.Wood, file