PERMFILE70439

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plans
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

The most important factor for brooding habitat is
the availability of the appropriate foods for the chicks.
Also, during the later summer months of brood rearing,
the availability of water becomes important.
Within the pre-mine vegetative community, the
nesting cover component is assumed to be sagebrush as
well as other elements of the mountain shrub community.
Within the post-mining vegetative community, seeded
shrubs, transplanted seedlings and transplanted mature
shrubs (including a limited number of sagebrush for a
natural seed source) will supply the necessary require-
ments for nesting cover. No specific seeding of
sagebrush will occur as natural reinvasion of sagebrush
will occur from surrounding areas, replaced topsoil and
transplanted mature sagebrush plants.
Within the literature no specific location of nests
seem to be indicated other than a preference for less
dense and shorter shrubs which seem to indicate a need
• for quick escape should the hen be flushed unexpectedly.
The density and structures of the shrub component within
the post-mine community should provide the diversity of
cover and density suited to sagegrouse nesting.
Within the pre-mine vegetative community, insects
and succulent vegetation provide the majority of the food
for the developing chicks. As these food sources mature
and dry, the grouse will move to areas still supporting
succulent vegetation. These sites include springs,
seeps, drainage bottoms and water impoundments. During
the late summer and fall months, the important food
plants dry up on the upland slopes and the grouse will
tend to remain closer to available watering areas where
some succulent vegetation is still available. Many of
the grouse are then observed in the alfalfa and irrigated
meadowlands on areas around the mining area.
•
2.05-71