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Yoast reclaimed area livestock grazing by sheep was initiated in 2009 using the reclaimed pastures <br /> located in the general BRB-2 Phase III and Phase II + III release area. A total of 560 sheep were <br /> grazed approximately 45 days and forage use averaged 9 percent use of all forage and 19% of the <br /> PUF forage (PUF = 50% of available forage as a proper use factor). Since 2009 sheep grazing <br /> has continued annually through 2019 on reclaimed areas. The sheep numbers have ranged from <br /> 620 (2012) to 850 (2014). Days of grazing have ranged from 20 (2014) days to 49 (2011) days. <br /> Utilization has generally been light to with rates from 11% of total forage (23% of PUF forage)in <br /> 2018 to 16% of total forage (32% of PUF forage) in 2012. Anecdotal comments by the livestock <br /> operators to reclamation management personnel indicate satisfaction with the reclaimed grazing <br /> resource and animal performance. <br /> Wildlife baseline and monitoring was conducted annually at the Yoast Mine from 1994 through <br /> 2010. Comprehensive monitoring included big game, upland game birds, raptors and predators <br /> and continued through 2007. From 2008 through 2010 monitoring centered on upland game birds, <br /> golden eagles and Sandhill cranes. From 2011 the general mine area has been included in annual <br /> raptor nest monitoring and Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse counts. The results of monitoring are <br /> presented in the annual reports submitted to CDRMS. Additionally,CDRMS inspection personnel <br /> note wildlife observations in their ongoing inspection activities at the mine. <br /> Yoast reclaimed lands provide excellent habitat for a number of wildlife species. Elk and mule <br /> deer make common use of the reclaimed areas where significant numbers of deer and elk can be <br /> observed in the reclaimed areas throughout the year. The reclaimed areas provide beneficial and <br /> nutritional forage resources throughout the year but especially in the spring and early summer as <br /> the elk and mule deer complete gestation and move to lactation cycles. Elk and mule deer numbers <br /> on the mine site during the period of monitoring for these species have shown year to year <br /> fluctuations as a result of regional trends, mining activities and climatic conditions. As mining <br /> activity moved to new areas and reclamation became established, big game moved back into <br /> reclaimed areas and adjacent native habitats. This has been especially true for elk as the <br /> herbaceous forage quality is compatible with their foraging preferences. The presence of big game <br /> on reclaimed areas is significant and requires 8 foot fencing to protect aspen and tall shrub planting <br /> sites. <br /> SL-7 - 27 <br />