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

Aerial observations during The winter of 1980 (Table 2.7-5) showed that nearly
• all elk had left the area by late November. Most elk from the aspen area along
Center Ridge moved west towards Middle Creek and the Twentymile Park area. Elk
from the Moffat Area moved either west towards Twentymile Park or east into the
Oak Creek drainage. A small herd of elk in the mountain brush area, north of the
Moffat Area, remained through the winter.
No areas which could be classified as critical elk wintering areas were located
within one mile of the area To be mined. The deep snows which commonly occur in
the area (up to 5 feet on the level) ore the primary reason why the animals leave
the area. This observation is substantiated by Jim Hicks (Colorado Division of
Wildlife per Comm. 1979) who has observed the movements of the elk in the area
for several years.
Mule deer are common and were observed using all fiabitoT types on the
property. However, total deer numbers observed both on and off the property are
low. This is in line with the general overall trend of the deer population in the
region. The primary reason for deer populations remaining low in the area is the lack
of sufficient winter range to sustain larger herds (Hicks, Colorado Division of
• Wildlife, personal communication). The amount of winter range, not spring through
fall range, controls the deer herds in the area. As a result of deep snows, no winter
range exists on or near the permit area. Aerial and ground observations during the
winter of 1979 - 1980 (Table 2.7-6) showed that by mid-December, all deer had
moved from the permit area due to deep snows.
Because the deer population in the ores is kept in check by the amount of
winter range, their numbers remain well below what the area con support the
remainder of the year.
The high count during the studies was thirteen animals (Table 2.7-6). Assuming
only one third of the deer were observed, approximately forty animals are expected
to occur in the Moffat Lease area. A similar number (40) probably will occur to the
east in the area immediately adjacent to the mine.
Using the accepted SCS number that an adult male deer is equal to .20 AUM
then 16+ AUM's would be required to sustain the 80+ deer occurring on and adjacent
to the permit area. The SCS in Steamboat Springs has determined that twelve acres
are required for each AUM in the mountain shrub communities such as Those which
occur on the property. Thus, 192 + acres of the mountain shrub habitat type would
• be required To support the deer.
Revised 7-81 2.7-25