2006-12-18_REVISION - M1978314 (3)

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King Mountain Sand and Gravel Mine Ecological Resources Assessment Page 12 bearded wheatgrass, native bluegrasses, nodding brome, mountain brome, Letterman's needlegrass and pine needlegrass. With range depletion, sage-brush often becomes dominant. Currently, most of these native grasses are present, but are often not dominant, and replaced by the European grass smooth brome. On top of the terraces there is a dense cover of sagebrush, with approximately 50% canopy cover (Photo Point MF 4). These conditions indicate heavy grazing in the past. Notwithstanding the above, native plant species continue as the dominant cover. There are no significant areas of bare ground in the Sagebrush Shrubland. No significant soil erosion sites are present. Noxious weeds are few and do not form large, continuous stands. Range condition is therefore considered fair to good, and the resource trajectory is considered stable to improving. Range condition could improve significantly with the return to dominance of native grasses. 5.0 WILDLIFE RESOURCES 5.1 Wildlife Habitat Wildlife use of the landscape tends to focus on specific habitats. The vegetation communities discussed in the vegetation section are equivalent [o major habitat types, and are summarized below. Asnen Forest: essential breeding habitat for numerous resident and migratory birds, including neo-tropical migrants, and important foraging habitat for amphibians, small mammals, black bear, deer, and elk. In the winter months, elk may heavily browse the bark of mature aspen trees and young shoots. Riparian Shrubland: essential breeding habitat for dozens of species of resident and migratory birds, including neo-tropical migrants, critical habitat for small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and important foraging habitat for deer and elk. Riparian ecosystems provide optimum shelter and food for wildlife and therefore function as movement corridors. Mixed Montane Shrubland: essential breeding habitat for migratory and resident bird species, including neo-tropical migrants, good habitat for small mammals and reptiles, year round habitat for black bear, deer and elk. Gambel oak acorn mast, in good production years, is an important source of food for wildlife during the fall and winter months, particularly for black bear. Critical habitat for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Sagebrush Shrubland: foraging habitat and year-round range for deer and elk, breeding habitat for migratory songbirds, preferred habitat for many small mammals. Winter range for elk. Critical habitat for greater sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Graminoid Wetland/Aquatic: critical habitat for amphibians and small mammals, important watering sites for wildlife, foraging habitat for black bear, deer and elk, breeding habitat for migratory songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds. Egeria Creek provides aquatic habitat for fish, including several species of [rout. In late summer sage grouse move into wetland habitat from the drier upland sites. Tame Pasture: foraging habitat for deer, elk, and migratory songbirds, winter range for elk, habitats for small mammals and amphibians. In late summer sage grouse move into wet meadows from [he drier upland sites.