2018-01-03_PERMIT FILE - C1994082 (10)

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the permit area as winter range for elk and portions of the haul road corridor as severe winter range (CDOW 1993). The CDOW has also designated lands falling within the permit area as summer habitat. Upland game birds, raptors, and numerous breeding birds frequent the permit area to varying degrees. Sharp -tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus), blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus), and sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) occur in the region and may be found on the permit area. Sage grouse are least common and are more likely to occur in the haul road corridor portion of the permit area. The CDOW has identified lands encompassing the permit as sharp -tailed grouse range and the haul road corridor as sage grouse general range (CDOW 1993). Ten raptor species were recorded in the area during baseline studies. A total of 41 breeding bird species were observed during baseline surveys. Slightly over half of these species were termed as regular (observed in three or more survey periods). Tab 11, Wildlife Resources, details avian observations and survey results. Small mammals were common in and around the permit area. A number of rodents, v insartinres, and rr=ni rca -e-re (bserued in the arca in 1993, Tn Iuded w O -h the numerous small mammal observations were coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and black bear (Ursus americanus). The permit area provides varied habitat that attracts several popular game species. Included are large ungulates and upland game birds. A significant land use associated with wildlife habitat is hunting of big game (primarily deer and elk) and, to a lesser degree, upland game birds. The quality of the fall big game hunting season attracts large numbers of both in-state and out-of-state hunters, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The quality of big game hunting is such that a number of private land holdings are leased to private hunting organizations. Although not as significant as big game hunting, upland game bird hunting provides additional opportunities for sportsmen. Previous Mining Current surface and underground mining activity attests to the region's continued importance as a source of mineable coal reserves. The Seneca II and Seneca II -W Mines are examples of large surface operations, while Cypress Minerals' Foidel Creek operation represents a large underground operation. Historically, the region supported a number of 10