2001-12-11_PERMIT FILE - C1994082A (2)

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the permit area as winter range for elk and portions of the haul road corridor as severe • winter range (CDOW 7993). The CDOII has also designated lands falling within the permit area as summer habitat. Upland game birds, raptors, and numerous breeding birds frequent the permit area to varying degrees. Sharp-tailed grouse (TVmoanuchus ohasianellus), blue grouse (Dendragaous obscurus), end sage grouse (Centrocercus uroohasianus) occur in the region ands may be found on the permit area. Sage grouse ere least common and are more likely to occur in the haul road corridor portion of the permit area. The CDOY has identified lands encompassing the permit es sharp-tailed grouse range and the haul road corridor as sage grouse general range (CDOY 1993). Ten raptor species were recorded in the area during baseline studies. A total of 41 breeding bird species were observed during baseline surveys. Slightly over half of th e:.e species were termed as regular (observed in three or more survey periods). Tab 11, YiLdl ife Resources, details avian observations and survey results. Small mammals were common in and around the permit area. A number of rodents, insectivores, and carnivores were observed in the survey area in 1993. Included with the ~ • numerous small mammal observations were coyote (Canis latrans ), red fox (Vuloes vuloes ), and black bear (Ursus americanus). i The permit area provides varied habitat that attracts several popular game species. Included ere large ungulates and upland game birds. A significant land use associated with wildlife habitat is hunting of big game (primarily deer and elk) and, to 6 Lesser degree, upland game birds. The quality of the fall big game hunting season attracts Large numbers of both in-state and out-of-state hunters, providing a significant boost to the i local economy. The quality of big game hunting is such that a number of private land holdings ere leased to private hunting organizations. Although not as significant as big game hunting, upland game bird hunting provides additional opportunities for sportsmen. Previous Minin Current surface end underground mining activity attests to the region's continued importance as a source of mineable coal reserves. The Seneca 11 and Seneca 11-w Mines are examples of Large surface operations, while Cypress Minerals' Faidel Creek operation represents a large underground operation. Historically, the region supported a number of ~, 10