PERMFILE61255

• Permit No: M1981086
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 7/23/1981
• Doc Name: 112 Permit Application
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

~I
EXHIBIT H - WILDLIFE INFORMATION
' Say
This exhibit identifies the fish and wildlife resources of the
affected areas, seasonal uses of the areas by fish and wildlife,
discusses certain endangered species, and the impacts during
and after the proposed operation on existing wildlife.
Information presented in this exhibit was developed as part
of the environmental assessment report by Dames and Moore.
Surveys were conducted in the project area from October, 1975,
through September, 1976. The nature, extent, and location of
these surveys is indicated on Figure H-1. The wildlife resources
are discussed in terms of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.
MAMMALS
j The ranges of A4 species of mammals overlap the Windy Gap
development area, and most are either rodents or carnivores.
During field studies conducted in 1975 and 1976, 21 species or
their signs were observed. The species with range in the
Windy Gap development area and the ones observed are listed in
Table H-1. Twelve of the observed species were rodents and
five were carnivores. Rodents were the most common species
observed. Some indication of their appearance in the sagebrush
area is given in Table H-2 which lists the species captured in
grids conducted on those areas.
' Coyotes were common in the area during the sampling period
and were observed in all seasons. Rabbits and hares were not
found to be abundant in the area during the sampling period
and this was confirmed through discussions with Division of
wildlife personnel.
Sign of black bear was observed near Willow Creek Reservoir
and Division of Wildlife personnel reported that a fairly
good bear population exists in the forest adjacent to Willow
' Creek Reservoir. This area will not be affected by activities
subject to permitting by the Mined Land Reclamation Board.
Both deer and elk have been observed in the development area.
Mule deer critical winter range includes impervious borrow
area A. The overwintering areas defined by the Colorado Division
of Wildlife are shown on Figure H-2.
Elk overwintering areas are shown in Figure H-3. Winter range
areas defined by the Division of Wildlife do overlap impervious
^ borrow area A. Observations reported by the Division of Wildlife
I~ indicate that elk use the area in both summer and winter, but
abundance appears to be much greater in winter. It is reported
that a majority of elk remain in the area south of Willow Creek