PERMFILE45266

• Permit No: C1980001A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.7 FISH & WILDLIFE
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

• Sage grouse (Cenirocercus urophasianus) were observed in low numbers in four
habitats: mountain shrub, sagebrush, reclaimed grass and unreclaimed. The highest
numbers were observed in the mountain shrub communities in the Moffat area. The
presence of young broods indicate that the area is used for nesting and brood rearing.
To what degree the area is used for nesting is unknown although it appears to be low.
No leks were located on or within Two miles of the permit area. The nearest known
sage grouse leks are approximately five miles away in the Twentymile Park ores
(Exhibit 2.7-2) (Hicks, Colo. D.O.W. 1980). No sage grouse were observed wintering
in the permit area. However, on two occasions during the winter of 1979-80 flocks
of sage grouse were observed flying over the area, but it is not known where they
come from or their destination.
Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (PedioeceTes phasionellus) which occur in the
area are presently classified as "status undetermined" by the Colorado Division of
Wildlife. Because of this designation an intensive study was undertaken in the fall
of 1979 by P 8~ M in cooperation with the Division of Wildlife to evaluate the status
of these birds in the area of the Edna Mine.
Flocking activity for the sharp-tailed grouse seemed greatest during the fall
• months with the largest flock containing eleven grouse. Scattered flocks of 2-4
grouse were observed throughout the Trout Creek drainage at this time of year. The
mountain brush habitat both east (Moffat area) and west of Trout Creek received the
highest use. Several birds were observed foraging on unharvested oats in cultivated
fields. The use of these areas ceased when the snows covered the plants.
Winter distribution of sharp-tailed grouse on or adjacent to the proposed permit
area and the Edno Mine area is presented in Exhibit 2.7-2. The grouse remained
evenly distributed throughout the winter season and flock size never exceeded six
individuals. This lack of flocking behavior is probably due to the abundance of cover
and food (buds) in the aspen, serviceberry and scrub oak communities. Big sage buds
and snowberries are utilized in those areas where they were exposed above The
ground. Use of grit along plowed roads was documented almost daily during on-site
visits in the winter months.
Movements of small flocks of grouse during the winter months was constant.
Three To five day slays in wooded draws appeared To be the longest use in any
particular stand of aspens, scrub oak or serviceberry. It appeared That the flocks in
the Moffat area had certain preferred areas and would move periodically between the
• areas. Areas of highest winter use from aerial and ground observations are shown
on Exhibit 2.7-2. Occasional flights by the grouse across the Trout Creek drainage
2.7-14