Laserfiche WebLink
2t <br />• `.S' ~D' CML12B - Exhibit H <br />Wildlife Information <br />Pege 4 <br />Resource Management (1987). All acreages used in this section are approximate due to the <br />dynamic nature of p 'e g distribution and a conservative estimate of the acreage of <br />reclaimed areas that will be suitable for prairie dog habitat. <br />Prairie dog distribution in the valley is as widespread as it has ever been in recent yeazs, due <br />in part to reduced prairie dog control efforts by the present land managers. Prairie dogs have <br />been controlled for decades in this valley by poisoning, plowing, shooting, and by other <br />methods. As a result of the recent reduction in prairie dog control efforts, and due to the fact <br />that Dowe Flats has avoided recent plague epizootics which periodically decimate local <br />populations, prairie dogs are presently distributed throughout most of the valley. <br />Prairie dog distributio as recently expanded from four towns in the valley, and now totals at <br />least acres across the bottom of Dowe Flats. The largest town, running the length of the <br />`valley, totals at least acres and is the only town that will be directly or indirectly affected <br />by mining, reclamation, and road realignment. Over the 25 year life of minine activity much <br />of this town will be affecte minin ,although no more than 12% of it will be affected at any <br />• given time. ~ ~~ -y ~,,~~-z <br />As mining proceeds up the valley, reclamation would follow. Reclaimed landforms, specifically <br />designed to accommodate prairie dogs and raptors, would be rapidly colonized as early <br />successional vegetative communities provide ideal prairie dog habitat. A minimum of 30% of <br />the affected acres will be reclaimed as habitat suitable for prairie dogs, lagomorph and deer <br />habitats. Additional reclamation features (e.g. rimrocks) and habitats would be oriented toward <br />enhancing lagomorph and deer habitats, additional prey species for the large raptors. <br />As mining begins and progresses, individuals in portions of the large prairie dog town would <br />be killed or would colonize adjacent unoccupied habitats. Raptors hunting these towns for <br />prairie dogs and other resident rey species may decrease in number due to direct and indirect <br />influences o mtning activity, including reduced prey availability, avoidance of re in habitat <br />adjacent to mining an human activit ,and the disturbance and tempo abandon t of r t <br />sites, unttng perches, and hunting areas adjacent to haul roads and the relocated county road. <br />Post-reclamation prairie dog acreage in the valley would total 75 % of that now present. <br />~~ <br />t <br />~~5 . <br />Additional suitable, but presently unoccupied adjacent habitats within the permit area, would also <br />• be available for colonization during or after the mining process, but are not included in these <br />