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

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Medium -sized Mammals - Many species of medium -sized mammals have been recorded for the general region of the permit area by previous investigators either through direct observation or definitive sign. These species include •predators such as coyote, red fox, badger, and long- tailed weasel. Other species confirmed for the area include yellow- bellied marmot, white - tailed jackrabbit, muskrat, and beaver. Preferred habitats of these species are listed in Table 39, Mammal Species List for the Permit Area. The only medium -sized mammal listed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1978) as important to the area is beaver. In the permit area, most aquatic habitat is not adjacent to aspen stands or other suitable food sources required by beaver. Recent beaver activity was noted only in the upper portions of drainages along the northwest boundary of the permit area and in Fish Creek in the southwest corner of the permit area. Large Mammals - CDOW Wildlife Information System Maps for elk and mule deer were obtained for the general permit area and information portrayed was plotted in relation to the permit area. This information is presented on Map 19, Elk Biological Features and Map 20, Mule Deer Biological Features. Map 19, Elk Biological Features, shows that the entire permit area lies within elk winter range, with elk critical winter range occurring along the northwest boundary and in the southeast portion of the permit area. Observations by the Applicant's biologists indicate that elk occur primarily in Twentymile Park during late fall and early winter as they move to more suitable winter range near the boundaries of the permit area and to the west of the permit area. By late December, elk have usually moved out of the lower elevations in Twentymile Park. A majority of the permit area does not support preferred winter habitat for elk, and except in the southeastern portion of the study area and along the northwest boundary, there are no steep south - facing slopes which would be relatively free of snow during critical winter periods. No elk calving areas have been identified for the permit area. As noted on Map 19, Elk Biological Features, the eastern boundary for elk severe and critical winter range in the northwest portion of the permit area is plotted incorrectly on the CDOW maps. The boundary for these ranges should not extend east into the lowland portions of Twentymile Park. Habitat in this area consists primarily of cropland and sagebrush which are not preferred critical winter range habitats for elk. In addition, vegetation in this area is usually completely covered by snow by mid- winter. • Mule deer are relatively common summer inhabitants in the mountain shrub communities (Map 18, Premining Vegetation) along the Northwest edge and southeast portions of the permit area. Because of the predominance of cropland and other open habitats in the permit area, the year -round population of mule deer is small. Map 20, Mule Deer Biological Features, shows that the steep southeast and southwest slopes in the vicinity of Foidel Creek and existing mine operations are winter concentration areas and are classified as critical winter range. These slopes support mountain shrub and big sagebrush communities that remain relatively snow free during the winter months due to their aspect. No mule deer migration routes or fawning areas have been identified on the permit area. The locations of elk and mule deer winter concentration areas and critical winter range are discussed, in relation to the proposed mine development, in a subsequent section. Black bear and mountain lion are potential, although not probable, inhabitants of some portions of the permit area. The general lack of suitable habitat within the permit area in combination with human activity associated with mining, ranching, and farming make the potential for occurrence of these species in the general area very low. Raptors -_The permit area represents suitable hunting habitat for several species of raptors that prefer open country. Northern harrier, red - tailed hawk, Swainson's hawk, American kestrel, turkey vulture, and golden eagle were observed by CCA biologists during the wildlife and vegetation field studies. Most of the permit area is generally lacking in suitable nesting habitat for raptors except for ground nesters like the northern harrier and short -eared owl. The only suitable cliff- nesting habitat in the permit area occurs on the sandstone bluffs along Foidel Creek. These cliffs were not surveyed for raptor nesting activity since no additional surface disturbance (beyond what has already occurred for an existing mine) will occur within 0.5 mile (0.8 km) of the sandstone cliff area (Map 21, Locations of Sandhill Crane Nests and Nesting Habitat and Raptor Cliff - Nesting Habitat). Recent nesting on the sandstone cliff area by golden eagle, prairie falcon, and other cliff- nesting species has been documented by USFWS •and the Applicant's biologists. Nesting by these species indicates that there is an acceptance or tolerance of current mining activities in the area. RN08 -05 2.04 -74 03/12/10