2018-11-05_PERMIT FILE - C1981044A (3)

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The value of elk within the permit area is 1) hunting and 2) observation and photography. Cougar. Two cougars have been sighted in the area. The presence of suitable habitat such as adequate food (mainly deer), cover, and rugged terrain indicate a possibility that cougars could inhabit the southern portion of the permit area. However, the cougar is a very isolated and secretive animal and has a large cruising radius. Cougars generally avoid man or activities associated with man at all costs; but when pressed for food, cougars may venture closer to human activities. The cougar probably is not ayear-round resident. Local conservation officers indicate previous sightings of cougars have occurred in the general area. Mining operations should have no effect on the cougar. The value of cougar within the permit area is 1) hunting (limited) and 2) photography. Fur Bearing Predators Coyote, fox, and bobcat are found within the permit area. The area supplies ample food and cover for these animals. Food supplies including deermice, rabbits, and carrion are abundant in the area. To date, no dens have been found within the permit area; but as shown on the Wildlife Map (Map 21), rock outcrops and soft dirt banks are available and would make suitable locations for dens. Coyotes, fox, and bobcats have extensive cruising radiuses and are secretive animals. They, like the cougar, avoid man's presence whenever possible. The value for coyote, fox, and bobcat within the permit area is 1) hunting, and 2) scavenging of their prey. Raptors Birds of prey are commonly seen on and over EC's mining property. Areas of rock ledges provide for nesting and isolation. An ample supply of rodents provides for food. The most commonly observed bird of prey is the red-tailed hawk. An active red-tail hawk nest is located on [he sandstone ledge over the mining area at the No. 5 portals. Great homed owls are also present within the permit area and use nearby trees for roosting. Current mining operations do not appear to adversely affect birds of prey. Local residents have indicated that nesting pairs of red-tailed hawks have been using rock ledges on EC properties for the last five years. Surface facilities have not significantly changed during that time. Expansion of underground mining should not have any adverse impacts upon the habits or habitat of the birds. Due to the fact that EC properties are private and access is controlled, protection of nesting sites is provided. The value of birds of prey within the permit area is (1 observation and photography and 2) rodent control. Small Mammals The two most common small game species, which inhabit EC's properties, are the cottontail rabbit, and the white-tailed rabbit (hare). Due to the excellent habitat, both species are found year-round. Rabbits feed on the abundant grasses and fortes during warmer months and sagebrush and tall grasses during the colder winter months. The numerous gullies, irregular terrain, and abundant water create an attractive habitat for rabbits. There appears to be no adverse effects to the rabbit population due to the mining operations. The value of rabbit is 1) hunting and 2) prey for predators. Waterfowl Waterfowl usage within the permit area consists mainly of ducks and geese and is often seen during the spring and all. During the years 1964 to 1975, the Colorado Department of Wildlife surveyed the duck and geese populations in the area between Craig, Colorado and Juniper Springs, Colorado. The results of these surveys are presented on Table 43, Waterfowl Counts 1969-1975. The most common species found were the Mallard and Canadian goose. The many oxbow lakes and the winding of the Yampa and Williams Fork Rivers provide waterfowl habitat. Aquatic vegetation, such as duckweed, provides food and cover for the waterfowl as well as nesting. Geese occasionally feed in the wheat fields adjacent to the river. However, since the permit area is not a prime waterfowl feeding area, underground Permit Revision 04-34 2.04-39 Revised 7/2/04