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

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 9/4/2018
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2012 Lease Modification Area Habitat and Wildlife Report
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

INTRODUCTION
Following is a summary of findings from surveys in the Lease Modification Areas
(LMA) during the period from the fall of 2009 through July 2012. During this period a
total of 28 trips including both winter and summer periods were made into the LMA to
conduct surveys of wildlife activity and habitat condition in the area. The objective of
these surveys was to collect data on Lynx habitat conditions, goshawk nesting activity
and listed species presence or absence and availability of habitat for these species. Figure
1 in this report shows the area covered during the four years of surveys. Not all of the
area was covered equally. Emphasis was placed on surveying those areas where the
highest potential or any of the previously listed species might occur. Also taken into
consideration during the surveys was where exploration drill pads and roads might be
located and if suitable habitat for any of the listed species occurs within a close proximity
to these locations
SURVEY METHODS
Depending on snow conditions spring/summer surveys were initiated in late May or early
June conducted through July to check for (1) goshawk and other raptor nests and (2)
other listed species. Other listed species included both USFS Sensitive and Management
Indicator Species (MIS). Surveys for goshawk nests were conducted in June and July
each year. It was determined during the first year of surveys what habitat in the area was
suitable for goshawk nesting, In subsequent years only those areas where suitable
conditions exist were checked for nests. The three known nests were checked during each
survey. While conducting the raptor surveys and while going to and from the LMA
opportunistic observations of listed species and other wildlife were recorded. Areas
where summer surveys were conducted are shown on figure 1. Not all of the LMA was
surveyed with equal intensity. Some areas were checked every trip and during other
surveys only portions of the area were surveyed. Habitat type and condition influenced
where the surveys were conducted.
While conducting the spring and summer surveys for nesting raptors ponds and other
water bodies were checked for amphibian activity.
Depending on snow conditions, winter habitat and wildlife surveys in the area were
initiated each year in mid to late December and continued into April. During the winter,
surveys were conducted to check for snowshoe hare activity by recording tracks and the
habitat type and conditions where the tracks were found. Any possible lynx tracks were
also recorded. Data was also kept on coyote, American marten, and red squirrel tracks.
Tracks of other potential prey species were also recorded. Opportunistic observations of
listed species and other wildlife were recorded as well.
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