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One great-horned owl nest with two young was located in a Douglas-fir stand in the Elk Creek drainage (Figure 1). The location of the nest indicated that it may have been built by an accipiter a yeaz or more ago and the owl utilized the nest this yeaz. Northern harrier's were observed in the area, but no young birds were observed during the studies, which would indicate that nesting had occurred. There is suitable nesting habitat in the azea for this species thus, there is a chance that nesting could occur. BIG GAME Elk, mule deer and black beaz are commonly found in the study azea. Elk and deer were commonly observed in the study azea and there was evidence of considerable beaz activity. There aze also suitable conditions in some of the azea for mountain lions. Elk were observed during the May and eazly part of June studies in mountain shrub and aspen habitat at upper elevations in the study azea. Cow elk and calves were observed in the lazge aspen stands in June during the calving period. By the time studies were completed most elk had moved on to higher elevations and were observed only infrequently. Elk do winter along the faces above the North Fork, but winter use at higher elevations in the study azea is very limited due to deep snow. Based upon observations and other data much of the area where drilling activity is proposed is more in transition range. ~ Mule deer were not observed in any significant numbers during the period of studies. There were no specific azeas where most were observed. Most were observed later in the ' studies and in all habitat types. There is very little mule deer winter range in the study azea and this is limited to lower elevations along the North Fork between Beaz and Hubbazd Creeks. Some of this area also serves as transition range where deer remain in the spring prior to moving up country. Drilling activity in this azea will be very limited. Although none were observed, there was considerable evidence of black beaz activity found throughout the study area. The black bear population in the North Fork Valley is high and continues to grow. Development activities here and in other project areas have not been a deterrent to their activities. When evaluating potential effects on big game habitat use from proposed development activities two things must be considered; (1) numbers of animals that might use the area for winter or transition range and (2) total amount of habitat available. Based upon observations made during these studies, elk and deer numbers aze low from spring through fall. In the winter most animals will be found below where most development activity will occur. Considering the amount of suitable habitat available throughout the area from spring through fall transition periods there will be little affect on either deer or elk activity. 13