2016-12-23_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (8)

Home Browse Search

Reclaimed pastureland and pastureland have been replanted primarily for grazing or for hay production. In pastureland, smooth brome (Bromus inermis is the predominant species with scattered individuals of common •dandelion (Taraxacurn officianale), starwort (Stellaria sp.), and American vetch (Vicia americana) also present. On reclaimed pastureland smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) are the dominant species. Cropland, pastureland, and reclaimed pastureland vary in their usefulness to wildlife depending on density, species and height of vegetation, crops sown, and frequency of disturbance. The most significant value of these habitats to wildlife is that of providing a seasonal source of food to animals inhabiting adjacent habitats and to some migratory species. Mule deer., elk, waterfowl, sharp- tailed grouse, and sandhill crane are species that are commonly associated with these habitats on a seasonal basis. Representative resident species include deer mouse, northern pocket gopher, northern grasshopper mouse, and Richardson's ground squirrel. Aquatic - Fish and Foidel Creeks, intermittent drainages, and small stock ponds provide the only aquatic habitat in the permit area. Most ponds receive only intermittent inflow and, therefore, exhibit marked fluctuations in water level. Furthermore, most of the stockponds are utilized by cattle and have been heavily trampled around the edges. As a consequence, the establishment of emergent vegetation around most stockponds is negligible. A few of the more protected, smaller ponds that occur in drainages bisecting croplands support small stands of common cattail (Typha latifolia) and relatively dense stands of i sedges (Carex spp.), bulrush (Sc_ Epus spp.) and Baltic rush. In some cases sufficient vegetational cover is present to attract nesting sandhill cranes. Beaver activity was only noted in the upper portions of intermittent drainages along the northwestern edge of the permit area and in Fish Creek near the southwest corner of the permit area. Marked fluctuations in streamflow in Fish and Foidel Creek and grazing along Fish Creek severely restrict the growth of woody riparian vegetation along these streams. Woody riparian vegetation is limited to small stands of willows (Salix spp.) occurring as inclusions within sagebrush/meadow habitat along the upper portions of Fish Creek in the permit area. • The stream habitat is variable due to the highly fluctuating flows and temperatures. Foidel Creek is classified as a non - fisheries stream. :Fish Creek is classified as fisheries but the value rating is considered poor. These streams do receive some use by puddle ducks such as mallard and green- winged teal. Some amphibian and reptile species such as boreal chorus frog, leopard frog, and wandering garter snake inhabit and breed in aquatic habitat in the permit area when sufficient moisture is present. Faunal Characteristics of the Permit Area Vertebrate wildlife species occurring or likely to occur within the proposed Foidel Creek Mine permit area have been compiled on three separate species lists: Table 39, Mammal Species List for the Permit Area; Table 40, Bird Species List for the Permit Area; and Table 41, Amphibian and Reptile species List for the Permit Area. Included on these lists are the scientific names that correspond to the common names used in this response. These lists were compiled from data collected by the three previous studies in the area (see Introduction), a literature review, and opportunistic observations made by CCA during the 1984 field studies. More specific faunal information is provided below under the following headings: Small Mammals, Medium -sized Mammals, Large Mammals, Raptors, Upland Game Birds, Waterbirds, Songbirds, and Aquatic Organisms. Small Mammals - Small mammal trapping conducted during the previous studies documented three principal species: deer mouse, least chipmunk, and vole. Other small mammals observed on or in the vicinity of the permit area include Richardson's ground squirrel, northern pocket gopher, and golden - mantled ground squirrel. Preferred habitats of these and other species expected to occur on the permit area are listed on Table 39, Mammal Species List for the Permit Area. RN08 -05 2.04 -73 03/12/10