Laserfiche WebLink
levels at the Yoast Mine. The lower stocking rates in 2015 represent below normal winter through <br /> early summer precipitation and above normal temperatures while the higher 2016 stocking rates <br /> reflect above normal precipitation and near normal temperatures. The ability of the reclaimed <br /> lands to provide good stocking rate values for 2015 and 2016 represent the results of implemented <br /> best practices for reclamation,management of the reclaimed areas and the restoration of ecosystem <br /> function and continuing successional development of the reclaimed lands. With the exception of <br /> the aspen community the native lands within the mine area have generally lower stocking potential <br /> due to heavy woody composition that reduces herbaceous forage production and access. <br /> 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 /> SL-8 - 10 <br />