2018-01-03_PERMIT FILE - C1981010A (12)

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Observations at Trapper Mine indicate that activities such as noise, equipment traffic, etc. generated by mining and reclamation do not disturb mule deer. In fact, they are commonly seen feeding along haul roads and close to active mining areas. The deer apparently adapt rapidly to activities that do not result in harassment or other psychological disturbances. 2.4.3.2 Elk Elk (Cervus canadensis) are common residents of the mine plan area in the late fall, winter and early spring. These elk typically spend the summers in the upper reaches of the Williams Fork Mountains and in Routt and White River National Forests. In the fall, hunter pressure and heavy snows force elk down to areas typified by the mine plan area where they spend the winter months. Map M22 illustrates migratory routes and wintering areas in relation to the • mine plan area and adjacent areas as described by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1978). The proposed mine plan area provides suitable elk habitat. Boyd (1970) and Kufeld (1973) reported that grass is the primary forage of elk, with forbs / becoming important during summer months. Shrubs become the primary forage during winter months when grass is not available because of snow depths. Approximately 73 percent of the mine plan area consists of the mountain shrub community while 11 percent is sage -grass and 15 percent cropland. Plant com- munity composition, presented in Section 2.3 indicates there is adequate, appropriate forage for elk during all seasons of the year. Map M16 illus- trates the general location of plant communities within the proposed mine plan area and adjacent areas. Watering sites are available throughout the area with the majority located in the eastern portion of the mine plan area. Summer use of the affected area is low as indicated by pellet group counts (Figure 2.4.4). The majority of elk use is in the mountain shrub community 2-153