2007-09-11_REVISION - M1997054 (2)

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piiion/juniper slopes north of Tallahassee Creek. Four mule deer does were also noted crossing Tallahassee Creek near the granite quarry stream crossing. Mule deer are distributed statewide in all ecosystems in Colorado. They are most abundant in shrublands in rough, broken terrain where abundant food and cover are provided (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). Mule deer populations within the region of the permit area exhibit seasonal movement with most shifts in distribution occurring as a result of elevarional migration in response to snow cover. The permit azea is used primarily as winter and eazly spring range by mule deer. The largest numbers of mule deer occur in the permit area during spring green-up when mule deer move down from nearby pinon/juniper slopes to feed on newly emerged herbaceous vegetation in grassland and piiion/juniper/grassland habitats. During the summer months, most deer move to habitats of higher elevation, although some deer use of the permit area is likely to occur on a year-round basis. (Finch, personal communication, 11/97) Populations of Bighorn Sheep are widely scattered throughout the mountains and foothills of Colorado. Preferred habitat is provided in areas dominated by rock cover, grass, and shrubs in close proximity to open escape terrain and topographic relief (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). Herds in Colorado typically migrate between higher elevation summer ranges and lower elevation winter ranges (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). As of 1997, a population of Bighorn Sheep inhabited the rugged terrain of the Arkansas River canyon west of the permit area (Finch, personal communication l 1/97). Big Horn sheep are only expected west of the permit area (Personal communication, field investigation, Chris Kloster, 8/97). Bighorn Sheep are not expected in the permit area due to disturbances rendered by on-going mining activities in conjunction with previous land use conditions. Prime black bear habitat is characterized by relatively inaccessible terrain, thick understory vegetation, and abundant sources of shrub or tree borne soft or hard mast (Pelton 1982). Bears occur throughout the mountainous portions of Colorado but are most common at low to moderate elevations that support stands of oak brush and bevy producing shrubs (Fitzgerald et al. 1994}. The permit area may represent a portion of black bear range, but black bears are not likely to be common in the area because of the general lack of preferred food sources. Mountain lions occur throughout the mountainous portions of the state with their range tied to that of elk and mule deer. Mountain lion prey primarily on mule deer and young elk in this region and, like their prey, are typically wide-ranging. Mountain lions will follow their prey's seasonal movement and inhabit summer range or winter range in conjunction with deer and elk. Preferred habitat of mountain lions consists of rough or steep terrain in remote areas with suitable rock or vegetation cover. It is possible that portions of the permit area are located within a territory occupied by mountain lion. Mountain lion use of the permit area is most likely to coincide with winter and early spring when mule deer may enter the area. Predatorsaud Forbearers Predators and forbearers potentially occumng in the permit area include coyote, gray fox, ringtail, raccoon, badger, long-tailed weasel, striped skunk, western spotted skunk, and bobcat (Meaney 1990, Fitzgerald et al. 1994). Due to the secretive nature and nocturnal habits of many of these species, little information on distribution and population densities in the region is Front Range Aggregates, LLC- Parkdale Quarry DMG 111 Permit Amendment Page 30