Laserfiche WebLink
Doc Date:1211112001 III III~IIIII~~II III <br />S ! E ' 2.7 FISH AND WILDLIFE <br />2.7.1 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS <br />During the period of July 1979 through July 1980 the Terresiriol wildlife and <br />aquatic biology of the Edna Mine area were sampled both quantitatively and <br />qualitatively. A series of studies were initiated that not only identified species <br />presence and habitat utilization by season, but The utilization of reclaimed and <br />unreclaimed lands by terrestrial species as well. <br />2.7.1.1 Terrestrial Wildlife <br />During the studies no unique species or unique habitats were identified within <br />The permit boundaries. The one area that approaches uniqueness is the large aspen <br />stand along Center Ridge (Exhibit 2.7-I). This ores is an elk calving ground for 75+ <br />cows. However, oll mining has been completed odjacenT to this area and reclamation <br />is well under way. No impocis on these elk will occur during the remaining mining <br />activities. <br />• Both elk and deer use the areas scheduled for mining. However, use is low <br />(especially by elk) during most of the year. Use of the two areas and land <br />immediately adjacent To the property was minimal to non-existent by these two <br />species during the winter months. Some loss of fawning areas will occur during and <br />immediately following mining. However, because of The low deer numbers and <br />available suitable habitat adjacent to the areas to be mined it is anticipated that <br />impacts will be minimal. <br />Portions of the permit area (the Moffat Area in particular) are used by <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, blue grouse and sage grouse to varying degrees during <br />the year. All three species nest and raise broods in the Moffat area. Total numbers <br />of hens using the area for nesting and brood rearing are low. Brood numbers <br />observed indicate that this area is not preferred over other similar habitats away <br />from the areas to be disturbed. <br />Blue grouse breed on The property along the high ridges (Exhibit 2.7-2). <br />Observations show that there are other suitable ridges where the displaced birds <br />could potentially relocate. The nearest known sage grouse lek is five miles from the <br />permit area (Exhibit 2.7-2). <br />2.7-I <br />