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<br />C~ <br />1.0 INTRODUCTION <br />From February 1979 through June 1979 wildlife investigations were <br />conducted at Energy Fuels Corporation's proposed mine expansion site in <br />Eckman Park in Routt County, Colorado. Intentions of these investiga- <br />tions were to inventory wildlife (particularly elk); determine faunal <br />distribution where possible; establish habitat affinities; identify <br />unique habitats and any threatened or endangered species present; and <br />gain an understanding of the faunal communities such that impacts of <br />proposed activities could be identified. <br />Investigations and methodologies performed during this study fol- <br />lowed suggestions by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the United <br />States Fish and Wildlife Service. <br />~~ The study area consists of approximately 3200 acres bordering and <br />draining into Foidel Creek. Topography consists of low gentle slopes <br />cut by steep ravines. Regional vegetation consists predominantly of <br />mountain mahogany - oak scrub (Cercocarpus - uercus), sagebrush steppe <br />(Artemisia - Agropyron), and western spruce-fir forest (Picea - Abies) <br />(Kuchler 1964). <br />The study area serves predominantly as wildlife habitat and range- <br />land. A wide variety of wildlife species utilize the habitats within <br />and near the permit area. Among the more economically important game <br />species are elk (Cervus elaphus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), black <br />bear (Ursus americana), sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), sharp- <br />tailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus), blue grouse (DendraRapus <br />• obscurus), and Nuttall's cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii). <br />