This document provides guidelines to assist coal mine applicants in developing plans which will meet Colorado Regulatory Requirements for Fish and Wildlife issues. The document represents the Division's interpretation of portions of the regulations. However, the guidelines do not carry the authority of regulations. Techniques and approaches which differ from those outlined in this document but meet the regulatory requirements are acceptable. Given the variability of environmental conditions and the diversity of vegetation types within and among the coal regions in Colorado, the Division strongly recommends that all applicants schedule pre-application meetings prior to the initiation of baseline data collection, preparation of plans to minimize adverse impacts on fish and wildlife resources, or the development of reclamation and land use plans.
