2018-08-30_PERMIT FILE - C1982057 (3)

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Big Game • The only big game species that frequent the extension area are elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer fOdocoileus hemionus). Although pronghorn (Antilocapra americanal are known to occur in the vicinity of the Seneca II -W Mine, they do not range into the higher elevations and rugged terrain around the extension area. CDOW WRIS mapping classified the extension area as severe winter range and critical habitat for elk. The area was considered summer range for mule deer. Results of winter aerial big game surveys are presented in Table 11-43. Information was summarized to allow comparison of the 28 square mile area around the Seneca 11-W South Extension study area with the previous 35 square mile Seneca II -W Mine survey area. Except in 1995 (the only year when snow cover was relatively light during the survey), elk densities have been notably higher on the Seneca II -W Mine survey area. Mule deer numbers during winter surveys were, as would be expected, very low. It is possible that elk tended to avoid the extension area and its surroundings during periods of heavy snow cover. The distribution of sightings during the surveys supported this conjecture. Big game sightings in all years tended to cluster northwest and northeast of the extension area, along the Hubberson Gulch and Sage Creek drainages, respectively. Few animals were observed in the south part of the survey area, at the higher elevations. Overall, elevations • encompassed by the extension survey area were higher than those of the Seneca 11-W Mine survey area. Also, much of the extension area consists of high -elevation, gradually sloping terrain, which tends to accumulate very deep snow cover. These factors would have rendered the area less attractive to wintering elk. The only big game recorded during fieldwork in October 1997 were mule deer. Several deer were encountered each day, as biologists searched for raptor nests. Many of these animals were not directly observed, and most could not be classified, due to the density of vegetation cover. Deer were often only heard, as they fled through thick underbrush. Raptors A number of raptor species were considered potential breeders in the vicinity of the expansion area. These included the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetosl, red-taited hawk fButeo jamaicensis), Swainson's hawk (Buten swainsoni), Cooper's hawk (Accipter cooperi), sharp -shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). Prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus), peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), northern goshawks . (Accipter gentilis), and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) could occur on the area, but would not be expected to breed. No cliffs suitable for nesting falcons are present on or within 37 Revised 9/98