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densities. Tisdale and Hironaka (19811, in an extensive review of the literature on the <br />sagebrush grassland region, found that overall use of sagebrush by wildlife and livestock <br />combined was generally light. This resulted in minimal impact to sagebrush, especially in <br />relation to the associated herbaceous component. They also found that sagebrush stands have <br />a strong competitive edge once herbaceous competition is reduced. <br />Based on personal observations, discussions with SCS range conservationists from the Craig <br />and Steamboat Springs offices, the State SCS range conservationist in Denver, and plant <br />ecologists from area mines, the somewhat degraded plant community characteristics for the <br />mixed brush and sagebrush types found on the Seneca II-W Mine are common in northwestern <br />Colorado. <br />Stock watering facilities (also benefiting wildlife) are limited to the development of four stock <br />ponds on the permit area. These ponds are generally in a rather poor state of repair and have <br />low storage capacity due to stream channel head cutting into the emergency spillways, <br />livestock trampling with subsequent erosion of the dam structures, and siltation of the storage <br />area. These ponds tend to dry up later in the summer. The locations of these ponds have not <br />encouraged even grazing distribution over the permit area, particularly in the eastern portion. <br />The only other sources of stock water are periodic flows from the ephemeral streams occurring <br />on the permit area (see Tab 16 for more detailed discussions of permit area water resourcesl. <br />Wildlife Habitat and Utilization of Native Rangeland The Seneca II-W and II-W South permit <br />boundary encompasses an area that is utilized by a variety of wildlife species. The three <br />primary vegetation types present (sagebrush, mixed brush, aspen! provide food and cover <br />habitat for many of the wildlife species year-round. Of particular interest is the use of the area <br />by big game, upland game birds, and raptors. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has <br />identified the general vicinity of the permit area as a production area and critical winter range <br />for mule deer as well as winter range for elk. The area has also been designated as general <br />distribution areas for sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. Raptors, including golden eagles, <br />are also present in the area. The CDOW is at this time updating and improving the various <br />habitat maps covering the Seneca II-W permit area and Routt County. <br />Wildlife studies and observations for the Seneca II-W permit area are detailed in Tab 11, <br />Wildlife Survey. As expected, occurrences of small mammals, passerine birds, reptiles <br />3 Revised 1/99 <br />