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2.04.11 FISH AND WILDLIFE INFORMATION <br />The EC operation is located primarily in a pinyon juniper-sagebrush type area. Landforms within the permit area <br />include: <br />Steep slopes, grading into gentle rolling hills <br />Rock outcrops <br />Streams, including oxbow lakes and flood plains commonly called river bottom <br />Wheat and hay fields <br />These land forms and their associated habitat can be seen on the Vegetation Map (Map 20). Due to the interspersion <br />and mixture of the range characteristics within the permit area, the basic needs of many species of wildlife are <br />satisfied. These basic needs being 1) food, 2) shelter, 3) breeding sites, 4) brooding grounds, and 5) water. As a <br />result, the permit area as well as a major portion of Moffat County at this elevation provides an attractive location for <br />wildlife. A list of the mammals, birds, and reptiles that are found within the permit area and their abundance and time <br />of occurrence is presented on Table 41, Wildlife Species Occurcence Checklist. , <br />EC initiated a wildlife observation program in February 1979 to include all affected mining properties. When a <br />species was sited, the number observed was recorded and then cataloged under the habitat in which it was observed. <br />The results of this wildlife observation program are presented in Table 42, Habitat of Wildlife Sightings. <br />The ensuing discussion will consider in more detail the following: <br />What species are found within the permit area <br />The effects of mining on the species <br />The value of the wildlife within the permit area Table 41, Wildlife Species Occurrence Checklist -Part 1 <br />BIG GAME <br />Mule Deer. The mule deer, is the most common big game species in the permit and surrounding area. The pinyon- <br />juniper-sagebrush range is ideal deer habitat because it provides abundant foliage and cover. Mule deer have <br />numerous escape routes and places to hide in the range area. The EC mining properties have been used greatly as a <br />deer wintering ground, possibly due to deep snows. The EC properties are located in the deer migration route <br />between [he Williams Fork Mountains and [he Duffy Mountain area. A substantial number of deer have been <br />observed using this area during the summer as a fawning ground. This may be due to the suitability of the available <br />habitat as well as accessible water supplies. The probable location and approximate number of mule deer observed is <br />shown on the Wildlife Map (Map 21). Current mining operations appear to have little effect on mule deer. <br />Expansion of underground mining will not call for addition disturbance of surface areas other than that specified in <br />this pernrit. Motor vehicle movement in the area probably has the most effect on deer, but does not appear to greatly <br />hamper their movements. There have been no reports of road kills to date on EC's properties. <br />The value of deer in the permit area is 1) hunting and 2) observations and photography <br />Elk. Elk have also been observed on EC's properties in small herds. The Wildlife Map (Map 21) indicates the <br />probable location and approximate number of elk observed. Desirable grasses intermingled with sagebrush make for <br />fair wintering ground. Also, the highcrested Williams Fork Mountains, which mark the east boundaries of the mining <br />properties, is an easy access for elk. They also provide a quick means of escape and cover in the juniper hills area. <br />The impact of mining and underground expansion is projected to be negligible to elk herds. Elk activities principally <br />occur near the outer boundaries of the permit area. <br />Permit Revision 04-34 2.04-38 Revised 7/2/04 <br />