2018-09-04_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (19)

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were present in the area during the spring through early fall period. Numbers of elk were always low and the amount of activity varied between years. By late fall elk have moved out of the area to lower elevations. They were not observed in the area until late spring when green -up occurred. Elk in the area have habituated to ongoing mining activities at lower elevations. Considering the small amount of habitat that will be disturbed if exploration activities occur and the fact that elk in the area have habituated to mining activities it is doubtful that elk numbers and habitat use would be affected The CPW does not have any of the LMA or adjacent areas mapped as elk winter range or production area. They do show the entire area as elk summer range. Data from observations made during the four years of surveys show that during the late spring through fall period elk numbers are low in the area. American marten: American marten were discussed in the sensitive species section of this report. Northern goshawk: Northern goshawk was discussed in the sensitive species section of this report. Merriam's wild turkey: Merriam's wild turkeys have been observed in Gambel oak/mountain shrub at lower elevations in the LMA and in nearby areas with similar habitat. During the four years of surveys, turkeys or evidence of their presence was observed up to the 9000 foot elevation. These observations at higher elevations were the exception rather than the rule. Most turkeys observed in the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek Deep creek and other drainages in the area are found at elevations below the northern boundary of the LMA. Habitat for these birds is not lacking in the area and the small amount of disturbance will not cause a detectable change in their activities or reproductive success. Red-naped sapsucker: Red-naped sapsuckers were commonly observed in mature and dying aspen stands at lower elevations in the LMA and surrounding areas. These birds were infrequently observed in aspen stands at higher elevations in the LMA. A few of these birds were observed where there is a mix of spruce -fir -aspen. Suitable nesting and brood rearing habitat for these birds is abundant and the small amount of habitat that would be disturbed during activities associated with mining operations would not adversely affect the population in the area. Common Trout: Common trout, which include Colorado River cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout do not occur in any of the streams or small ponds (beaver dams or other ponds ) in and around the LMA. OTHER WILDLIFE 18