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<br />OBJECTIVES <br />F~ <br />ObJectives of wildlife investigations were as follows: <br />1. Evaluate big game use of the corridor, particularly as It <br />relates to migrational movements, <br />2. Determine whether sage grouse Ieks (strutting grounds) exist <br />along the corridors or near the mine permit area, and, <br />3. Document all sightings of wild horses, raptors, and coyotes. <br />• <br />i METHODS <br />Methods were restricted to fixed-wing aerial reconnaissance <br />flights. All flights occurred in early mornings with a total of <br />fourteen flights being conducted from October 1980 through April <br />1981. Generally flights originated at Vernal, Utah. However, <br />counts of animals were made by flying In an east-west direction. <br />This was done to place the morning sun behind the aircraft and <br />thereby achieve optimal viewing conditions. The altitude flown was <br />usually from 100 to 300 feet. During the April surveys for sage <br />grouse, flights began near dawn in order to be over potential <br />strutting habitat by sunrise. The altitude flown was generally near <br />100 feet. One sage grouse flight originated at Craig, Colorado. A <br />Super Cub was used for this flight; Cessnas were used for all other <br />flights. Counts were made along a 1-mile wide transact centering on <br />• the corridors, and within approximately 3 miles of the mine permit <br />area. <br />3 <br />