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<br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1996 & 1997 VeRetmion Sampling Oma <br />Pursuant to the Permit, post mine grazing for the liability period was initiated in June of 1996. <br />Domestic livestock grazing installment commenced on June 10 and continued until June 30, 1996. <br />Forage utilization was limited to 40 to 50 percent availability. The BLM permittee to the south <br />and west of the Permit area provided approximately 200 cow/calf pairs for the grazing test. <br />During the grazing period, fences were opened and the cattle were able to move in and out of the <br />reclaimed area. Salt blocks were placed away from the ponds on the reclaimed area to avoid <br />concentration around the ponds and encourage movement and utilization of forage throughout [he <br />reclaimed area. Visual observation following grazing indicated that the reclaimed areas handled <br />the test without any detrimental effects. Vegetation sampling analyses conducted in August 1997 <br />documented these observations. CDMG determined that this test proved post-mining grazing land ..4 <br />use capability and no further testing was required. "l~_~ . <br />Critical seasonal range for deer, elk or antelope does not occur within the immediate area of the <br />mine. The reclaimed area is representative of the transitional range throughout the intermediate <br />elevations of North Park. Historically, the reclaimed area falls within a broad movement zone for <br />deer and elk that summer in the Medicine Bow range. In mild winters where snowfall <br />accumulation is not great, it could be expected that deer and elk would reside on the reclaimed <br />area and surrounding lands all winter. However, the normal snowfall accumulation within this <br />region is usually significant and it is not expected that they would use the mine area as a wintering <br />ground. Mule deer and elk utilize the reclaimed areas, as witnessed by the large number of pellet <br />droppings observed. Also, the addition of two ponds has provided a water source for deer, elk <br />and antelope. <br />Suitable habitat for sage grouse was identified m the Permit area. Seasonal requirements include <br />strutting, nesting, brooding, and wintering areas. Strutting areas tend to consist of openings <br />within a sagebrush community or areas that contain low stratum vegetation. Nesting habitat is <br />usually typified by areas with a moderate coverage of sagebrush within three kilometers of a <br />strutting area. Brooding habitat is usually typified by areas where sparse sagebrush cover exists <br />and succulent forbs are abundant. Establishment of the ponds also provides a water source for this <br />phase of the life cycle. Winter habitat is described as large expanses of dense sagebrush on land <br />having little slope. The Permit area does not fulfill all of these habitat requirements, however, <br />they are fulfilled in the surrounding vegetation community. During visits to the site, frequent <br />opportunistic sage grouse observations have been made. <br />Overall, both range and wildlife habitat on the reclaimed area has improved by the change in <br />species composition, suitable cover, increased palatable species, and increased biomass. The <br />exclusion of livestock has benefitted the forage and cover reserves while increasing litter quantities <br />which have helped [o retain moisture in the topsoil and decrease erosion potential. The addition <br />of two new water resources has improved post mining land use capability and compatibility. <br />These improvements have benefitted all species that inhabit this area. <br />98hondp3.09lWugust 4, 1498 8 <br />