2020-03-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (2)

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RULE 2 PERMITS Big Game Elk - Elk within the general project area are part of the White River herd as defined by the CCPW, which was estimated to include a total herd population of 28,620 animals in 1996, and represents the largest elk herd in Colorado (CCPW 1997). Within the White River herd the CCPW estimated an average cow:calf:bull ratio of 100:47.7:13.1 during the surveys completed from 1994 to 1995, this is somewhat lower than the 100:52.3:25.8 ratio average identified during the survey completed by Monarch & Associates (Monarch and Associates, 1998). Elk utilize all habitat types within the previously approved permit area during various times of the year, and several elk ranges have been identified as shown on Map 13A and are described below. • Winter range • Calving and summer areas • Late fall and early spring areas Winter ranges are typically occupied from December through April. Within the general project area, winter aerial surveys of elk from 1994 through 1997 found that elk populations varied greatly. Populations varied from a high of 1,590 and a low of 259. This represents 5.5 and 0.9 percent of the total White River herd. This variation is based on both snow depths and temperature. In general, most observations of elk during the winter were made within the mountain shrub habitat type in the previously approved permit area. Elk calving and summering areas are typically occupied from May through September and occur within the upper ends of drainages within the mountain shrub and aspen habitat types within both the previously approved and South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision areas. During the period of 1994 through 1997 the calf:cow ratio averaged 5 8: 100 in these areas (Monarch and Associates, 1997). Calving and summering areas are the predominant elk habitat in the vicinity of the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit area (Monarch and Associates, 1998), which provides cover, forage, and water during the April to July period until early snows cause them to move down country to wintering ranges. As indicated by Jon Wangnild, the CPW District Wildlife Manager for the Meeker North Area, mining activities in the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area will not be a migratory limiting factor nor will it limit habitat due to the relative small area of impact and the abundance of suitable habitat in surrounding areas. Mule Deer - Like elk, mule deer within the general project area utilize all habitat types and are part of the White River herd. The buck:doe ratio of the White River herd in 1997 was 11:100. This is somewhat higher than the 8.5:100 ratio noted in the general project area from 1994 through 1997. Four types of mule deer range occur within the previously approved and the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit areas, as described below. Locations of the high use wintering areas and late fall to early spring areas are shown on Map 1313. • Spring/summer range • Winter range South Taylor/Lower Wilson — Rule 2, Page 62 Revision Date: 11/18/16 Revision No.: MR -163