Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />June 11 survey was directed primarily at the permit area only, and <br />transects were spaced at 1000 foot intervals (Figure 3.1.3-4, in Section <br />3.1.3). <br />Observers counted and recorded all species of wild mammals and <br />raptors observed, including a location description such that distribu- <br />tions could be mapped. Habitat, sex, age, and activity were noted when <br />they were distinctly determined. <br />After each survey over the study area a higher (approximately <br />1000 feet) and less intensive survey was flown over the Routt National <br />Forest between Fish Creek and the Duackley Flattops. This effort was <br />conducted [o determine whether elk use of this area was primarily as <br />summer range. <br />As an initial portion of this study the Colorado Division of Wild- <br />. life (CDOW) and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were contacted to <br />obtain existing wildlife information concerning the study area. Very <br />little site-specific information was available, however, certain known <br />elk calving grounds were identified, and data from past aerial surveys <br />(broad region) were obtained (Hicks 1979, Conley 1979, Ellenberger <br />1979). Most of the existing information was obtained from CDOW 1041 <br />mapping system. Also, at this time a literature review was made to <br />identify potential impacts to elk as a result of coal mining; particu- <br />larly the effects of this disturbance on elk calving grounds. Other <br />sources of general wildlife information consulted for this study area <br />were: Dames and Moore (1975), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1978), <br />and U.S. Department of the Interior (1976). <br />From May 29 through 31 during the small mammal, medium sized mammal, <br />• and avifauna inventories, incidental observations of deer and elk were <br />