2025-06-30_PERMIT FILE - C1981019

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RULE 2 PERMITS Rule 2 Permits 2.04-62 Revision Date: 6/4/25 Revision No.: MR-264 large expanses of south and east-facing sagebrush-covered slopes where there is less snow cover throughout the winter. Traditionally, the most extensive use on the site has been during the summer and fall months by cattle, deer, and elk. Over-grazing at times by cattle in conjunction with high numbers of deer and elk have resulted in reduced carrying capacity and a general decline in the condition of the range over several years. The reduced carrying capacity resulting from the overuse of the range created an increase of pressure on the more healthy plants. Certain more desirable species, such as bitterbrush, were overutilized throughout the year and offered little or no forage during the critical winter months. In most instances, 8 to 10 inches of snow totally covered the plants. Colowyo initiated range management and habitat improvement programs, and other mitigation measures in 1976 to offset the expected impacts of mining. A detailed discussion of the wildlife mitigation plans is set forth in Section 2.05.6. Aerial Counts (See CDM report for update information) Initial aerial transects were flown monthly throughout the winters of 1974-1975 and 1975-1976, and one flight in 1977 to count elk and deer as well as coyotes, bobcats, raptors, etc. The counts were made to establish population trends, activity patterns, and estimate numbers of animals wintering on the site. The areas were flown on an east-west pattern. Flight lines were normally about one-half mile apart, which allowed observations to be made a quarter of a mile on either side of the aircraft. All observations were recorded on standard forms and included numbers of animals location, habitat type, and when possible sex and age. During the two winters of observations (1974-1975 and 1975-1976), deer and elk numbers fluctuated from 43 to 101 and from 20 to 119, respectively. Conclusions that can be drawn from the data are as follows: (1) the number of animals observed is greatly affected by counting conditions; (2) the severity of winter affect the total number of animals observed within the area; (3) certain areas are utilized more than others; and (4) deep snows have a greater impact on deer numbers and areas of use than on elk. As discussed earlier in this section, use of the winter range by deer and elk is directly related to weather conditions and snow depth. Information from the aerial surveys are shown in Table 2.04.11-6, Aerial Game Counts. Calving and Fawning Areas Counts were made each spring in late May and early June (peak of calving and fawning activities) of 1974 and 1975 and again in 1980. The study site was traversed by vehicle and on foot to identify the more desirable areas as shown by the number of females with young. The counts were made early in the morning or late evening. Binoculars or a spotting scope are used to observe the animals