2014-05-13_REVISION - C1981044 (2)

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2.04.11 FISH AND WILDLIFE INFORMATION The EC operation is located primarily in a pinyon-juniper-sagebrush type area. Landforms within the permit area include: Steep slopes, grading into gentle rolling hills Rock outcrops Streams, including oxbow lakes and flood plains commonly called river bottom Wheat and hay fields These land forms and their associated habitat can be seen on the Vegetation Map (Map 20). Due to the interspersion and mixture of the range characteristics within the permit area, the basic needs of many species of wildlife are satisfied. These basic needs being 1) food, 2) shelter, 3) breeding sites, 4) brooding grounds, and 5) water. As a result, the permit area as well as a major portion of Moffat County at this elevation provides an attractive location for wildlife. A list of the mammals, birds, and reptiles that are found within the permit area and their abundance and time of occurrence is presented on Table 41, Wildlife Species Occurrence Checklist. EC initiated a wildlife observation program in February 1979 to include all affected mining properties. When a species was sited, the number observed was recorded and then cataloged under the habitat in which it was observed. The results of this wildlife observation program are presented in Table 42, Habitat of Wildlife Sightings. The ensuing discussion will consider in more detail the following: What species are found within the permit area The effects of mining on the species The value of the wildlife within the permit area Table 4 1, Wildlife Species Occurrence Checklist - Part 1 BIG GAME Mule Deer. The mule deer, is the most common big game species in the permit and surrounding area. The pinyon - juniper- sagebrush range is ideal deer habitat because it provides abundant foliage and cover. Mule deer have numerous escape routes and places to hide in the range area. The EC mining properties have been used greatly as a deer wintering ground, possibly due to deep snows. The EC properties are located in the deer migration route between the Williams Fork Mountains and the Duffy Mountain area. A substantial number of deer have been observed using this area during the summer as a fawning ground. This may be due to the suitability of the available habitat as well as accessible water supplies. The probable location and approximate number of mule deer observed is shown on the Wildlife Map (Map 21). Current mining operations appear to have little effect on mule deer. Expansion of underground mining will not call for addition disturbance of surface areas other than that specified in this permit. Motor vehicle movement in the area probably has the most effect on deer, but does not appear to greatly hamper their movements. There have been no reports of road kills to date on EC's properties. The value of deer in the permit area is 1) hunting and 2) observations and photography. Elk. Elk have also been observed on EC's properties in small herds. The Wildlife Map (Map 21) indicates the probable location and approximate number of elk observed. Desirable grasses intermingled with sagebrush make for fair wintering ground. Also, the highcrested Williams Fork Mountains, which mark the east boundaries of the mining properties, is an easy access for elk. They also provide a quick means of escape and cover in the juniper hills area. The impact of mining and underground expansion is projected to be negligible to elk herds. Elk activities principally occur near the outer boundaries of the permit area. Permit Revision 04 -34 2.04 -38 Revised 7/2/04