HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211480.tiffApril 18, 2022
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
Mary Kanode
54501 WCR 53
Ault, CO 80610
Dear Ms. Kanode:
We are in receipt of your letter dated March 24, 2022. The Board of County Commissioners is currently
opposed to the Briggsdale prairie dog relocation for many of the same reasons you addressed in your letter.
Weld County has previously sent letters to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and remains in contact with
Colorado Parks and Wildlife to continue to state our opposition to the Briggsdale prairie dog relocation.
Unfortunately, Weld County does not have the authority to prevent the relocation due to the prairie dogs
being trapped and removed from a property already in Weld County and relocated to another property
within Weld County. The Board of County Commissioners can only prevent the relocation of prairie dogs
if they are being relocated to Weld County from a property in a different county. Colorado Parks and
Wildlife will make the final determination whether to approve or deny the prairie dog relocation to the
Briggsdale property. We encourage you to express your concerns to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area
Wildlife Manager, Jason Surface, via email atjason.surfacestate.co.us or regular mail to 317 W Prospect
Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526 Attention: Jason Surface.
Please know the Board of County Commissioners will take any action within their power to hold the owner
of the prairie dogs accountable if neighboring property owners are negatively impacted by the prairie dog
relocation.
Sin rely,
Seo K. James
Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners
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RECEIVED
March 24, 2022
Dear Weld County Commissioners,
MAR30 0 2022
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
I have in front of me a copy of the Prairie Dog Management Plans For Briggsdale
Property Relocation. The intent of this document gives me great concern.
In 2004 prairie dogs from Forest Service land came onto my property. After lots of
complaining from me, the Forest Service put up the black silt fencing, which wasn't beneficial.
The prairie dogs burrowed under it, chewed it up, and within a week the wind had totally
destroyed it. Leaving a royal mess to be cleaned up. Forest Service has tried snow fence and
chicken wire, but it hasn't worked to contain them. Ranchers spend their hard-earned money
every year to control the prairie dogs, which is an expense that doesn't need to be compounded
on from prairie dog relocation projects.
The prairie dogs destroy forage leading to erosion problems. Along with forage loss the
holes are dangerous to livestock. Livestock can step into the holes causing injury, which can be
as severe as broken legs. Another issue that the prairie dogs add is the increased number of
rattlesnakes. The rattlesnakes impose a threat to the livestock with being bit by the snakes.
Between the injuries from holes and rattlesnake bites, ranchers have to contend with treating
injured livestock or even the death of livestock.
I have lived on the prairie for 82 years. We have always had small prairie dog towns up
until 2004. Since 2004 they have rapidly multiplied and are everywhere. It has also been my
experience there is no good method to keep prairie dogs contained to one specific location.
Based on my experience, I don't believe anyone in support of having prairie dogs can
responsibly mange them. Please do not only let Sheree Seabury relocate prairie dogs to the SW
1/4 Section 27, SE '/4 Section 28T9N, but also other future prairie dog relocation projects out on
the prairie.
I would be willing to meet with you, and show you pictures. I have personally taken
pictures of the damage to the pastures and black silt fencing, along with the erosion and dirt
blowing during a wind storm.
Sincerely,
Mary Kanode
54501 WCR 53
Ault, CO 80610
(970)834-2190
Co MRvco. f,ons
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2021- IL 810
March 15, 2022
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
11500 STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
Sheree Seabury
4748 Anne Place
Erie, CO 80516
Ms. Seabury:
We are in receipt of your letter dated March 5, 2022.
The position of the Weld Board of County Commissioners has not changed since our stance in
noted in the June 10, 2021, letter to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. We remain adamantly
opposed to any prairie dog relocation.
Sine ely,
Sc t K. James
Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners
Cam ; CA(RB), a&(-rr)
3- a r - aoaa 3116122
RECEIVED
March 5, 2022
Commissioner Steve Moreno
Office of the Board of Commissioners
Weld County Colorado
1150O Street
PO Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Commissioner Steve,
MAR 09 2022
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
I am the landowner of the Briggsdale property located at SW ¼ Section 27, SE'/4
Section 28 T9N R61 W.
Please allow me to address your letter to Colorado Parks and Wildlife dated June 10,
2021, in which you state the Board is "adamantly opposed" to the relocation of prairie
dogs from a 35 -acre Weld County site in Longmont to my personal property of 316 -
acres in Briggsdale. I understand your concerns and hope to give you my perspective
and why I believe this relocation is important.
While prairie dogs may be regarded as a pest to farmers and grazing managers, Black -
tailed Prairie Dogs are a keystone species of the prairies, providing habitat and food for
many other grassland animals. Given that they are an integral part of the ecosystem
and are declining, it's no surprise that other species who depend on them are also in
danger of becoming extinct.
Because of their burrowing habits, Black -tailed Prairie Dog colonies found in farmers'
and ranchers' fields have been posed as a threat and a risk to livestock. This resulted in
colonies being poisoned, trapped, shot, flooded, and dynamited. Other human
influences on their extermination, is the explosion of development in Colorado which is
posing an even bigger threat to their very existence.
The decline of this species has caused cascading effects throughout the whole
ecosystem. Burrows made by prairie dogs are used as habitat for many other ground -
dwelling grassland species, many of which are endangered, such as burrowing owls,
mountain plovers, short -horned lizards, rattlesnakes, and the swift fox.
Moreover, the black -tailed prairie dog is a huge part of diet for other endangered
species, such as the ferruginous hawk, eagles, badgers, and of course, the black -footed
ferret, who have diminished in part due to the decline of prairie dog populations.
Not only do the prairie dogs benefit the existence of many other species, but they also
improve soil and vegetation quality and biodiversity by grazing and digging.
The decline of this species exemplifies just how delicate the ecosystem is. Coupled with
habitat loss and degradation, the decline of prairie dogs subsequently has led to an
endangered biome, leaving many species fighting for survival.
Prairie dogs have been impacted by diseases, in particular, the sylvatic plague.
Weather events such as droughts, which are expected to increase, limit food
production, and are thought to cause population fluctuations.
Most likely, you are already aware of what's happening to the North American black -
tailed prairied dog, so I won't go into any more detail, but I will let you know that many
ranchers are starting to embrace the co -existence of cattle with prairie dogs. For many
years bison and prairie dogs lived together on the great American plains.
There are already several success stories of ranchers allowing wildlife to live and coexist
with their cattle in Montana and Southern Colorado that show they can thrive together
well and still be profitable without poisoning the land and killing off all the wildlife... just
like the bison coexisted with prairie dogs many years ago. Here is one article worth
reading https://www nwf org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2001/Learning-to-Live-With-
Prairie-Dogs.
Ranchers just need to be convinced that there is an eco-system that has to be maintained
even if you are ranching and farming and if we work together to preserve the wildlife and
habitat in the long run it's better for humans and the planet. Colorado development is
growing at an alarming rate, and we cannot continue to destroy all the wildlife in the wake
of building and increased population. We are hopeful that we can talk with you along
with Weld County Commissioners and share some successes that other ranchers are
having coexisting with prairie dogs and wildlife.
Here is another article about a ranch in Southern Colorado that is doing well living with
wildlife:
In the blue twilight of a spring morning, the bubbly chorus of Lark Buntings, tinkling voices
of Horned Larks, and flutelike songs of Western Meadowlarks ring through the shortgrass
prairie. Burrowing Owls poke their heads out of their burrows. From the marshes, Black
Rails sing their nasal ki-ki-doo! This isn't a nature preserve though; it's a working cattle
ranch owned by the May family in southwest Colorado and certified by Audubon's
Conservation Ranching Initiative. All around the May Ranch, prairie has been converted
to crop fields, but under the May family's stewardship, their prairie has remained not only
unplowed, but also healthy and full of life. Their practice of resting some pastures while
actively grazing others with cattle creates a diversity of habitat types, from sparse
vegetation where Horned Larks pluck insects from flowers to tall grass where
Grasshopper Sparrows sing. "It's obvious to anybody that's involved that if you have
habitat that birds can thrive in, every other species of wildlife will thrive in that
habitat." —Dallas May. Because of habitat loss, grassland birds have declined more
than any other group of North American birds. Last year, Audubon research predicted
that nearly half of grassland bird species are highly vulnerable to climate change. Since
the vast majority breed on private lands, their future depends largely on the stewardship
of families like the Mays.
I have included our detailed management and mitigation plans which have been
submitted to CPW along with our permit. It is rather lengthy, but here is a summary of
our plans and commitment to keep prairie dogs from migrating off our property:
• Release site is 316 acres - %/2 section. North and South are 1 mile
(5,280 feet per side). West and East are %2 mile (2,640 feet per side)
• The prairie dogs will be taken from a 35+ acre site and put onto
60 acres at Briggsdale property. Although we typically put 16
prairie dogs per acre, we want to keep them in a tight area to
begin with (safety in numbers) and then let them expand out
onto additional 40-50 acres as needed.
• Although it has been estimated by Smith Environmental (they
are the company that has been contracted by the developer to
do the relocation) that there are close to 1500 prairie dogs, we
have done our own calculations and think it's more like 900
prairie dogs. If there are as many as 1500, they would be on
about 93 acres and if it's around 900 as we believe, it would be
about 56 acres. Either way, the Briggsdale property is large
enough to accommodate this colony.
• We will place the prairie dogs in center of receiving area. This
will locate them as far away from the other landowners borders
as possible.
• Silt Fencing will be installed starting on the West side (Larry
and Jean Croissant's property), then go North, East and if
needed added to the South (County Rd 100). We plan to start
the fencing on the West side prior to relocating any of the
prairie dogs.
• From the fences a 50 ft. vegetation border of sunflowers, rocky
mtn bee plant and penstemons will be planted around the
West, North and East borders of our property to start. These
plants are drought tolerant once they are established. We hope
to plant this Spring, Fall, and keep planting until we have a wet
enough season for the plants to grow. We realize this may take
several seasons but are willing to invest in planting to help
prevent prairie dogs from migrating off my property.
• From the prairie dog colonies in the center of the property, our
goal is to have -1500 ft. border of grasses at about 1-1 1/2 ft
high which will go out to the beginning of the 50 ft. taller
vegetation border and fencing.
• See attached management plan which has more details as well
as a diagram of our plans and the layout of the colony and the
borders. You will also find information about the fence we are
going to use and the how the burrow will be setup with nest
boxes.
• Our goal is to monitor the property on a regular basis (to start,
we will go out there several times a month to monitor the prairie
dogs and make sure they are doing well). We will visit the site
as much as needed to ensure there are no problems. Most
likely, we will need to at least monitor the colonies monthly in
the summer and perhaps every other month in the winter since
the prairie dogs go into a somewhat semi -hibernation state
during the cold months.
• We know there is still a risk of a prairie dog migrating (although
not for many years) and if this happens, we will inform the
landowner immediately and get permission to trap and relocate
or remove the prairie dog(s) via passive relocation.
Please give me the opportunity to meet with you and the Weld County Board of
Commissioners in person to discuss our plans in more detail and answer any additional
questions and concerns.
I am hoping we can come to some mutual agreement based on my commitment to
responsibly manage this colony.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Sheree Seabury — 303.589.3780
PRAIRIE DOG MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION PLANS FOR
BRIGGSDALE PROPERTY RELOCATION: February 2022
The management strategies and options identified in this plan are based on an adaptive
management approach. This management approach recognizes that knowledge of
natural resources and associated processes are often limited, unknown, or difficult to
predict. As such, adaptive management requires: (1) management actions to be based
on clearly identified goals and outcomes, (2) the use of monitoring to ensure
management actions are meeting the identified goals/outcomes, and (3) the use of new
information to re-evaluate management activities and goals and/or to facilitate
management changes as needed. This document is designed to set forth and guide the
long-term management of prairie dogs at the Briggsdale property with intent to regularly
evaluate management goals and outcomes based upon information gained through the
adaptive management process. APPW is committed to ongoing monitoring of the
Briggsdale property and will re-evaluate this management plan as changes in the prairie
dog population may necessitate.
PURPOSE AND NEED
The following objectives are more specific statements of purpose that we have identified
in the initial project planning phases. Our goal is successful management of the prairie
dogs and to ensure that the following objectives are realized:
• Identify and conserve regional biological diversity, especially rare and
imperiled species.
• Continue monitoring prairie dog populations to ensure that prairie dog
management actions are maintaining long-term viable populations and that the
management objectives are being met. We need to decide what we would do if prairie
dogs began expanding off the property. In general, prairie dogs can adjust to a lot of
situations, including restricted expansion and they do this by less breeding, less
survivorship of adulthood. There is a difference between stable and unstable prairie
dog populations. Stable populations have a high degree of social order and coterie
boundaries and can remain in this configuration for really long periods of time if there
are enough prairie dogs. Unstable populations occur during significant disruptions to
their colony, i.e., poisoning, plague, shooting and translocations. Therefore, we do our
best to ensure coteries are intact, they are well fed and can settle down and start
digging their own burrows.
• Identify methods that can be used to keep any prairie dogs from migrating off
the Briggsdale property.
• Monitor the prairie dogs on Briggsdale property on a regular basis (monthly
during the warm periods and every other month during the Winter) to make sure no
prairie dogs have left the Briggsdale property and if we do find one has moved onto any
border property, that we trap, remove, and put them at a location far away from that
area to discourage them from trying to migrate again. Identifying which prairie dogs
came off our property may be difficult, but we will monitor the fence area on a regular
basis and make repairs and relocate prairie dogs within range of our fence. We would
like to discuss with CPW if relocating prairie dogs that appear to come off our property
is permitted or if we must file an application each time.
This prairie dog management plan represents a continued commitment to
preserve the ranchers' properties surrounding the Briggsdale property by keeping
prairie dogs off their property and trapping and removing them as soon as discovered
on their properties.
Relocation Plan:
This is our relocation plan; however, it must be noted that since this relocation is not
being done by us but has been contracted to Smith Environmental and Engineering, we
are committed to working closely with them to ensure they follow these recommended
relocation procedures. APPW plans to have someone on site for this relocation to
ensure the burrows and colonies are placed per our plans
To begin with, our plan is to relocate the prairie dogs to the very center of the
property. This gives us the most distance between the other landowners as possible. If
the vegetation is too tall, we will mow just within the relocation area to facilitate a greater
view for released prairie dogs. Vegetation on the perimeters of the property will not be
mowed. Artificial nest boxes will be installed for the prairie dogs being released. The
nest boxes will be oriented to correspond with the identified coteries from the sending
site. The boxes will be 18 inches in length and buried a minimum of three feet deep.
Each nest box will have two openings consisting of an artificial burrow made from a 4 -
inch corrugated drainpipe. The nest boxes will be placed in areas where pooling of
rainwater is not likely, and the boxes will have holes in the bottom to allow any rainwater
to drain out. The nest boxes and artificial burrows will be installed using a skid steer with
an auger and trencher attachments or a backhoe to minimize disturbance. By obtaining
an accurate population estimate, the relocator will only install the necessary amount of
nest boxes, thus minimizing the disturbance on the site. Up to eight prairie dogs
(including only one adult male) will be released into each artificial nest box. Every care
will be taken to not disturb native vegetation and to place trenches in weedier areas and
utilize tarps for topsoil and fill dirt separately to preserve the vegetation on both sides of
the trenches. Native seed will be used with the topsoil placement back on top of the
trenches. We will utilize biodegradable materials for the nest boxes; this allows the
prairie dogs to create new burrows from the artificial burrows and gives them more
safety while they dig a new burrow system. Temporary holding pens constructed of
hardware cloth will be placed over each release burrow to allow the animals to
acclimate prior to full release. The retention cages will also serve as protection from
predators and prevent dispersal while they adjust to the new environment.
Supplemental food and water will be provided during the acclimation period. The
release site will be monitored daily to feed, and water the sequestered prairie dogs for a
period of up to five days post -release. All cages will be removed after the acclimation
period. At the time of the first release into an artificial burrow, we will utilize a nest cap
for better acclimation and retention rates. These are removed after 3 days. All released
animals are fed at the time of release and food is placed in the nest cap and later
around the burrows.
Nest Tube
Assembled nest tube. Insert 4 -inch diameter irrigation
tubing 3 inches through 4.5 -inch center holes in plywood
that is connected to large tube. Using a backhoe, install
nest tube 4 -feet below ground with 4 -inch tube extending 6
inches above
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Back fill nest tube.
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Release site is 316 acres —1/2 section. North and South are 1 mile (5,280 feet
per side). West and East are '/2 mile (2,640 feet per side)
The prairie dogs will be taken from a 35+ site and put onto - 60 acres at
Briggsdale property. Although we typically put 16 prairie dogs per acre, we want
to keep them in a tight area to begin with and then let them expand out onto
additional 40-50 acres as needed. Although it has been estimated by Smith
Environmental that there are close to 1500 prairie dogs, we have done our own
calculations and think it's more like 900 prairie dogs. If there are as many as
1500, they would be on about 93 acres and if it's around 900 as we believe, it
would be about 56 acres. Either way, the Briggsdale property is large enough to
accommodate this colony. Also, we will ask Smith Environmental and
Engineering to add some additional nest boxes ~ 30% over the targeted
required artificial burrows.
Best opportunities to retain prairie dogs on a site established is to
1. Keep coterie families together and trap as coteries
2. Feed daily for the first week or two and then keep feeding on a weekly or
bi-weekly basis through the winter until the colony is strong and well
established.
3. Use of retention caps 3 to 5 days only on top of artificial burrows
4. 1488 prairie dogs /8 prairie dogs per unit= 186 artificial burrows + 30%
(virgin release site) = ~ 56 additional burrows for total of 242 burrows.
5. Place prairie dogs in center of receiving area. Have 1500 feet border of
grasses at about 1- 1 1/2 ft high which will go out to the 50 ft. taller
vegetation border and fencing.
6. Cannot guarantee a prairie dog will not move off the site but it does
lessen the chance if a proper relocation is done. Prairie dogs like safety in
numbers and a few prairie dogs may venture away (scoping) but come
right back to core prairie dogs as safety in numbers.
7. Vegetation on site looks good but not perfect (most sites are not ideal and
there is literally no vegetation on their current site). Some of the native
grasses already on the Briggsdale property are Needle and Thread,
Western Wheatgrass, Blue Grama, and Buffalograss. Other native forbs
on this property are Wavy Leaf Thistle, Scarlet Globemallow, Bracted
Vervain (Veronica), Curly Cup Gumweed, Annual Sunflower. There is
also prickly pear cactus on the land which prairie dogs like.
8. Alkali grass (Need to add some selected forbs for plant diversity and to
handle prairie dogs from migrating.
9. Release onto area is plenty large enough to make a "mini"
metapopulation where separate colonies exists but dispersal achieved
between them "directed dispersal corridors" Example: Release site is 316
acres. Place prairie dogs in center of property and have 3 separate
colonies each about 20 -acre area with corridors between the colonies —
here is a diagram of the lay -out of this metapopulation.
Fencing and 50 ft. vegetation border fr
The blue area
will be high
grasses 1500 20 acres 20 acres ,3
feet all around
1/3 of PD 1/3 of PD
the property Colony colony "
and between 1
— 1 % feet tal I 20 acres ,
from PD colony
to higher
vegetation - .
border
SW 1/4 Section 27, SE1/4 Section 28 T9N R61W '/2 Section -4 acres of oil rig
North and South 1 mile (5280 feet) West and East are 1/2 mile (2640 feet )
Fences and 50 -foot Vegetation Border— Sunflower, Rocky Mtn Bee Plant and Penstemon
Population Management:
The carrying capacity of this site, 316 acres, is 5056 prairie dogs at 16 prairie
dogs per acre. Estimated number of prairie dogs for this relocation is less than
1500 prairie dogs (and believe it's closer to 900 prairie dogs). This site should
easily carry this proposed relocation. Any dispersal to areas where prairie dogs
are not wanted such as potential neighboring agricultural fields and ranchers'
properties, we will try to move using passive relocation (The passive relocation
technique is a multi -step approach that is designed to begin with low-level earth
disturbing activities within an established zone to encourage prairie dogs to
relocate on their own volition.) If this is method is not successful, they will be
trapped, and relocated back to the release site. Surrounding landowners will be
notified of this plan. Continued mapping of all prairie dog areas and their
populations will be ongoing through APPW. Due to higher predation of newly
released prairie dogs and due to 50% of released pups not surviving their first
year, the densities can fluctuate a bit before they stabilize.
Preventive Management Actions:
Preventive management actions under this prairie dog management plan would be
designed to avoid later circumstances of prairie dog colony expansion into undesired
areas. Possible preventive actions proposed include the establishment of a physical
barrier and a permanent natural vegetative barrier between the prairie dog colony and
surrounding landowners.
Physical barrier (Fencing):
Visual barriers help control the spread of prairie dog colonies by providing a physical
boundary that prairie dogs are hesitant to cross. Although they are not a complete
solution to the problem of confining prairie dogs to specific areas, they are an important
component of an effective management program. In concert with other techniques,
visual barriers can provide a humane and passive means of controlling prairie dogs. A
physical barrier, either permanent or temporary, would be established between the
prairie dog colonies and other properties. Physical barriers are somewhat successful at
maintaining or limiting prairie dog populations within certain areas. The physical barriers
would be set up before emergence of juvenile prairie dogs in early to mid -May although
we plan to put up the fencing along the West and North side in the Fall of 2022 or as
soon as the prairie dogs are scheduled for their relocation to the Briggsdale site. The
most used physical barriers are vinyl fencing or privacy fencing, but all viable
alternatives would be considered. This barrier will serve as a control while a natural
barrier of shrubs and tall grasses is established.
For fencing to be effective, the following guidelines should be kept in mind:
1) Prairie dogs seem to respond to holes where light can pass through the visual barrier
by clawing and chewing at the fabric. Therefore, no light passage should be allowed
along the bottom edge, along the seams or because of holes in the fabric. Proper
installation and subsequent maintenance should prevent this. Any holes we find in the
fabric will be patched. Our plan is to have six inches of the fencing fabric to be
underground and should be buried to form a "light -tight" seal.
2) The construction of visual barriers is not formal or standard. The methods will change
as we gain experience. For the time being, we will start with fencing on the West and
North side and then move to the East and South (along County Rd 100) as fast as we
can (probably will take 12 -month period). We do not anticipate this to be an issue as
there will unlikely be any prairie dog migrations for a very long time.
Our plan to start is to put up 3 ft. super silt fencing. Silt Fence and Super Silt
Fence is a long-lasting barrier used to typically retain sediment; however, it is
also a perfect barrier for keeping the prairie dogs from migrating. Here is a web
site about this fencing: https://www.zoro.com/mutual-industries-48x100-org-
fabric-36-14-aa-wire-4x-4-open-1776-45-3614/i/G2877583/?recommended=true
Here is a picture of the fencing:
We would be sure the bottom of the fencing is firmly attached to the ground so that
there is no visibility through the fencing. We believe this type of fencing will be sufficient
for several years but if we find prairie dogs are digging underneath and migrating to
other landowners' properties and will look at other more fencing (digging trenches
where necessary) when and if this becomes insufficient. APPW will maintain fences to
be sure they are repaired if needed and re -stacked if they come lose due to high winds.
Vegetation Border:
In conjunction with the fencing, we plan to plant a 50 ft. native vegetation border along
the perimeter of the property to help provide barriers for migration onto surrounding
lands where the prairie dogs may be in conflict. We understand this is dry land, but our
goal is to plant drought resistant vegetation that is tall, i.e., sunflowers, Rocky Mtn. Bee
Plant and Penstemons. With proper seeding at the right time of year, we believe these
types of borders will be another deterrent to the prairie dogs migrating. Along with
fencing and planting, we will also work to remove noxious weeds a couple times a year
and once a year continue to plant native vegetation and plant natural prairie grasses,
and flora to increase the nutritious vegetation for the prairie dogs.
Sunflower - Native to North and South America, sunflowers are extremely
heat and drought tolerant. Height up to 6-10 ft.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant - It prefers mesic to dry mesic soil conditions
and full sun. This Cleome blooms approximately July and August and is an
annual plant - but it will re -seed. The pink flowers attract bees, and the seeds
are important food for doves and other small birds. Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is
drought tolerant. Height up to 2-5 ft.
Penstemon - Drought and heat tolerant - Height up to 21/2 ft.
Native Grasses Barrier:
There will also be - 1500 ft. low grass barrier from the prairie dog colony out to
the 50 ft. vegetation border and fencing. This grass will be native grasses as
listed previously and will be about 1-2 ft. in height.
Follow Up- Monitoring:
We commit to providing CPW information after one year regarding plague, maps
of the colony, and successes in preserving this colony. APPW is committed to
long term monitoring of the colony including plague management and
mapping. Application of deltamethrin insecticide (e.g., Deltadust), as a
prophylactic treatment for flea control in burrows, will be done once year. We are
committed to being transparent and having open communication with
surrounding landowners in the event there are any conflicts.
This prairie dog management plan intends to maintain a black -tailed prairie dog
population that can persist through environmental perturbations and coexist with other
resources, particularly species that depend on prairie dogs and their habitat and
vegetation. The desired condition would include a prairie dog population, in terms of
areal extent and distribution that can withstand or at least recover from stochastic
events such as prolonged drought or possibly a plague epizootic.
Habitat conditions in the prairie dog colony would include a vegetation community
comprised of native species with a complement of plant species that reflects the typical
species composition associated with healthy prairie dog complexes. The fauna typically
associated with the prairie dog would be present and the interdependence between
species that is specific to the altered prairie dog colony habitat (i.e., system of burrows,
soil mixing, increased water infiltration) would be exhibited. To achieve the goals of this
plan, natural processes would be allowed to continue wherever possible. It is
understood that prairie dog colonies are not static, and they would be allowed to expand
and contract largely unimpeded, within our 316 -acre parcel. However, there are areas
of suitable prairie dog habitat where prairie dog colony expansion would not be allowed
to expand within 50 feet of our property lines. Measures would be taken to control
prairie dogs in the areas where they get too close to boarding properties and roads. If
overpopulating of the prairie dogs on the 316 Briggsdale property were to happen, our
preference would be non -lethal population controls be used to manage prairie dogs to
meet these requirements, however, if over time it becomes necessary to further control
the prairie dog population, APPW would consider other methods, i.e., CO extermination.
I
Sheree J. Seabury
4748 Anne Pl.
Erie, CO 80516
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"" INBOUND NOTIFICATION : FAX RECEIVED SUCCESSFULLY ""
TIME RECEIVED REMOTE CSID DURATION PAGES STATUS
June 22, 2021 at 3:30:12 PM MDT 970 522 7365 39 1 Received
06/22/2021 14:34 970-522-7365 RECK AGRI REALTY PAGE 01/01
C RECK I
AGRI
June 21,2021
Commissioner Steve Moreno
Office of the Board of Commissioners
Weld County Colorado
1150 0 Street
PO Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Re: Opposition to Prairie Dog Relocation to 316 acres at SW1/4 Section 27 and SE1/4 Section 28, T9N R61W
Dear Commissioner Moreno,
We are writing regarding a potential prairie dog relocation project proposed near Briggsdale, CO. We are the
listing agent of the property for WCR89, LLC (owner) that is the potential site for this project with Colorado Parks
& Wildlife (CPW). The Buyer had representation from another agent, and therefore, we did not have any
knowledge of the Buyer's intent at the time the purchase contract was signed. Recently, we learned that the
Buyer's intent is to relocate 1,500 black -tailed prairie dogs because one of the adjoining landowners was notified
in writing of this potential use of the property.
While we recognize that we will not be directly impacted by this potential use of the property and cannot
control what they would do with their own property, we wanted to voice our concern regarding the potential
collateral damage to adjoining landowners in the area. The notification letter states that the Buyer will be
committed to keeping the prairie dogs from spreading to adjoining land by planting vegetation along the
perimeter. Although we are not experts in this area, we feel this is an ineffective way to control the migration of
the prairie dogs. From our experience of selling property impacted by prairie dogs, the following are a few of
the reasons we have concerns: 1.) prairie dogs know no boundaries as they tunnel and will travel (up to 20 miles
and recently experienced one swimming across North Sterling Reservoir); 2.) They depend on vegetation for
food and water. It is our opinion the planting of vegetation is unrealistic as the property is located in one of the
lowest precipitation areas of Weld County and it will take many years to establish vegetation that is dense
enough to be effective.
From an agriculture perspective, prairie dogs are destructive, impact productivity, and de -values property. As
such, we ask that you oppose this potential use of the property due to the unintended collateral damage to
other landowners in the area.
Sincerely
Marc Reck, Broker
Reck Agri Realty &
535 E. Chestnut Street // PO Box 4O7 // Sterling, CO 8O751
Office: (97O) 522777O // Fax: (97O) 522-7365 // Toll Free: 1-800-748-2589 // www.reckagri.com
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'WEST GREELEY
CONSERVATI N
DISTRICT
,
June 17, 2021
4302 W. 9th St. Rd.
Greeley, Colorado 80634-1398
(970) 356-8097 Ext 3 • Fax (970) 351-0392
www.wgcd.org
RECEIVED
JUN 212021
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Office of the Board of Commissioners
Attn: Steve Moreno
1150 0 Street
PO Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
RE: Ms. Sheree Seabury representing Advocates for the Preservation of Prairie Wildlife application for
relocation of 1500 prairie dogs to a Weld County site.
Dear Steve,
We are extremely opposed to the import of prairie dogs into unincorporated Weld County. The area
requested for release is very near Pawnee Grassland sites. The Forest Service has long been involved in
mitigation and mediation of issues related to prairie dog colony locations. They have reached a solution
between ranchers and wildlife groups that seems to be working. A major relocation such as this one
risks a serious imbalance that has scientifically been implemented.
The WGCD has been involved in mitigation cases for years and see this as a move to upset the
population of several species currently managed within the district.
We are proud to support any effort within the county to disallow such irresponsible requests as this one.
Feel free to contact the district any time for assistance or information. Kandee Nourse, District Manager
970-534-2317.
Since ly,
John e ne
Preside , West Greeley Conservation District
970-539-8009
e
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RECEIVED
June 16, 2021
Commissioner Steve Moreno
Office of the Board of Commissioners
Weld County Colorado
1150 O Street
PO Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
JUN 18 2021
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Re: Opposition to Prairie Dog Relocation to 316 acres at SW1/4 Section 27 and SE1/4 Section 28, T9N R61W
Dear Commissioner Moreno:
We are the current owners of the SW1/4 of Section 27 and SE1/4 of Section 28, T9N R61W. This property
was put under contract on May 12, 2021 to be purchased by Sheree Seabury, and is scheduled to close on
or about August 3, 2021.
It has come to our attention that Ms. Seabury is proposing to relocate upwards of 1,600 black tailed prairie
dogs to this property as part of a relocation project. We were unaware of the prairie dog relocation project
at the time we accepted the contract to sell to Ms. Seabury.
We have owned this property for nearly 14 years and care deeply about its conservation. To that end, we
worked with Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust to have this property placed under a perpetual
conservation easement in 2008 for the purpose of preserving it from future development and conserving it
in its natural state. We do not feel that artificially habituating this property with 1,600 black tailed prairie
dogs is in the best interest of this property.
Equally important, the relocation project would cause a potential undue hardship to the surrounding
property owners. Our group also owns and operates a 320 acre organic certified dryland grain property,
approximately one mile southeast of the subject property. Currently, we do not have any prairie dog
infestation. However, over time, our property along with others nearby could be subject to a
recolonization of prairie dogs.
Both as current owners of the subject property and as owners of nearby property, we wish to express our
adamant opposition to the proposed use of this property as a prairie dog relocation site.
Sincerely,
cr-T
James McCarthy, Manager
WCR 89 Group, LLC
CC: Jason Surface, Area Wildlife Manager
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
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June 10, 2021
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Attn: Jason Surface, Area Wildlife Manager
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
RE: Opposition to Prairie Dog Relocation
Dear Mr. Surface:
The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County ("the Board") has been informed that Ms. Sheree Seabury of
Advocates for the Preservation of Prairie Wildlife has applied to Colorado Parks and Wildlife ("CPW") for a permit to
capture, move and relocate approximately 1,500 black -tailed prairie dogs from a parcel located on the southeast corner of
the intersection of E. Ken Pratt Blvd. to a 316 acre property being the SW4 of Section 27-9-61 and SE4 of Section 28-9-61
("the Property"). The Property is owned by WCR 89 Group LLC.
The Board is adamantly opposed to the proposed permit and transfer of prairie dogs to the Property.
As you know, prairie dogs are defined in Colorado statutes as "destructive rodent pests." C.R.S. § 35-7-203(2). Prairie dog
colonies are destructive to agricultural properties. Additionally, prairie dogs compete with cattle for forage. See Sections
1.5.2 and 2.2.4, Environmental Assessment for Prairie Dog Damage Management in Nebraska, prepared by United States
Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, dated January 2020:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife damage/nepa/st ttesfNE/ne-2020-prarie-dog-ea.pdf
Black -tailed prairie dogs can disperse up to six (6) miles from their burrows. See the Montana Field Guide entry for
Black -tailed Prairie Dog - Cynomys ludovicianus: htta://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMAFB06010
In this case, the Property is within the (A) Agricultural Zone District of Weld County. The Property is within one (1) mile
of surrounding properties that are used or available for agricultural production. It is both unfair and inappropriate for the
owner of the Property to accept the transfer and relocation of such destructive rodent pests when such pests are likely to
disperse to the adjacent properties and cause damage for which the owners thereof will needlessly suffer.
The Board respectfully requests that CPW deny the permit application.
Please feel free to call Bruce T. Barker, Weld County Attorney, at (970) 400-4390, if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Steve Moreno
Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners
C: Sheree Seabury, APPW
Larry and Patricia Croissant
Christopher and Aime Duarte
Hyatt McKittrick
Christine Topping and Chelsea Evans
Jason Kettle, West Greeley Soil Conservation District
Bruce Barker, Weld County Attorney
CoRtAVA;ca f;ons
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RECEIVED
May 27, 2021
Weld County Board of Commissioners
1150 0 Street
PO Box 758
Greeley, CO 80631
Hello,
JUN 022021
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
I am reaching out to make you aware of a pending application to relocate approximately 1500 black -
tailed prairie dogs to a 316 acre plot that we have under contract to purchase.
Our plan is to plant vegetation along the side that borders your property to keep the prairie dogs from
migrating off this 316 acre site onto your land. In the event any prairie dogs do get onto your property
from our site, we are committed to trapping them and moving them off your land and back to our site.
If you have any comments or concerns regarding the submission of this application, please let me know
right away.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sheree Seabury
Advocates for the Preservation of Prairie Wildlife (APPW)
Mobile 303-589-3780
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