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4 <br /> <br />1. <br /> <br />RESPONSES TO COMMENTS <br /> <br />FISH AND WILDLIFE IMPACTS <br />Statements in this section were addressed in the permit appli- <br />cation primarily in terms of establishment of the ecological <br />study area/mitigation area.. <br />a) Antelope Fawning Area (N[V corder of Section 10) One half <br />of the quarter section presumedly including the corner of <br />concern will be included in the ecological study area. <br />Improvement in cover for new-born fawns, and quality of <br />vegetation is expected to enhance the area for antelope <br />(see mitigation plan). <br />b) Sage Grouse Strutting Area. The anticipated inpacts on <br />sage grouse, including seasona]. ranges acid leks, were <br />fully addressed in the application. Mitigating measures <br />addressed sage grouse in particular, and are believed to <br />be more than adequate to protect the resource. <br />c) Mule Deer Critical Winter Range (south half of Sections 10 <br />and 11). The designated area falls outside the permit area. <br />Inspection of the yeuera] area, with particular reference <br />to mule deer, revealed that principal deer forage plants, <br />e.g., Purshia tridentata, are common south of the permit <br />area along the escarpments, scarce within the permit area, <br />and practically non-existent within tite affected area (fewer <br />than 20 plants). Principal. game forage plant associations <br />that exist on the permit area are intentionally encompassed <br />within the designated ecological study area. Protection of <br />plants within the study area is expected to increase plant <br />vigor and cotttr.ibute to revegetation; thereby enhancing the <br />general area for mule deer. <br />d) Mule Deer Migration Zones (Sections 10 and 11). No identi- <br />fiable migration corridors exist. Mule deer range widely <br />throughout this portion of the valley. Mining activities <br />are not expected to present- a barrier to migration. <br />2 <br />3. <br />4 <br />For convenience, the Perdiz lek has been located on Exhibit 2, <br />Alluvial Valley Floor Identification Map. <br />The ecological study area is designated on Figure 2, Mining and <br />Reclamation Plan. <br />In evaluating methods for mitigation, it is necessary first to <br />identify the bosic objectives and ecological tet:ms of reference. <br />These are identified in the reclamation plan, namely: <br />1. To enhance sage grouse nesting and brooding habitat, by <br />encouraging a moderate stand of sagebrush with an abundance <br />of forbs and grasses. <br />