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• utilized by elk only during the severe winters, Primary habitat <br />utilization is mountain shrub. <br />Elk populations in this area appear to be generally increasing in <br />recent years with an overall estimated populations of approximately <br />3 elk per square mile (DOW, 1978c). Table 3.7-1 presents 1978 to <br />1982 harvest statistics for Big Game Management Units 92 and 43. <br />The average annual harvest during this period was 894 and 698 for <br />Units 92 and 43, respectively, with the number of recreational days <br />being 25,088 and 13,492. As mentioned above, the area to be <br />disturbed is a small percentage of the management units and the <br />sensitivity of elk to existing human activity would be even more <br />pronounced in the proposal facilities area. As a result, only <br />limited numbers of elk are taken in the project area each year <br />(Wills, 1983). <br />Black bear may utilize the project area on occasion as a portion of <br />• their home range. No observations of black bear have been recorded <br />by the Glenwood Springs Landfill operators (landfills often attract <br />bears if located within their home range). Habitats generally <br />utilized are riparian, aspen, and conifer forest areas which <br />provide the best food and cover. Relative concentrations of black <br />bear are in areas to the south and west of the proposed facilities. <br />Table 3.7-1 presents harvest information from Big Game Management <br />Units 42 and 43. Average annual harvest for Units 42 and 43 were <br />25 and 17, respectively, with recreational days provided being 1802 <br />and 1599. Overall population estimates for black bear in this area <br />of Colorado is 0.5 per square mile (DOW, 1978c). <br />Other Bia Game of the project area may include mountain lion. <br />Population estimates for Garfield County indicate 0.5 animals per <br />square mile (DOW, 1978c), however, no recent reports have been made <br />of the species in the project area. As previously mentioned, the <br />proposed facilities area is in a high human activity area. <br />• <br />NCEC - Coal Ridge #1 3-81 ABC/1145/900301 <br />