Laserfiche WebLink
i <br />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 <br />have.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 lalso benefiting wildlifel.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 headcutting 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~hare 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 Isee Tab.i6 for more detailed discussions of permit area water resourcesl.~ <br />Wildlife Habitat and Utilization of Native Rangeland The Seneca'11-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 Isagebrush,~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 <br />area by big game, upland game birds, and raptors. The Colorado Division of Wildlife ICDOW) <br />has identified the general vicinity of the permit area as a production area and critical winter <br />range for mule deer as well as winter range for elk. Th'e area has also been designated as <br />general distribution areas for sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. Raptors, including golden <br />eagles, -are also present in the area. The CDOW is at this time updating and improving the <br />various 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 />.. <br />3 - Revised 1/99 <br />