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Messrs. Crane and Banta ' September 11, 1~ Page 2 left the area, actual calving beds will be located and data collected from transects. A number of the calving beds identified will be sampled so the vegetal characteristics of the site can be fully documented. At each sampling site, two overlapping transects at right angles to each other will be established. Along these transects, aspen density, diameter, height, and overstory will be recorded. The shrub stratum will be separately sampled. Measurements to be taken on shrubs are; intercept distance, width, and height. The herbaceous understory will have intercept distances of grasses and forbs measured. These data will supplement data collected on three transects located within the current elk calving area in 1979 and located on the Eckman Park Vegetation (Map 16) found in Section 779.19. Upon completion of these data collection techniques, density and percent cover of the three strata located on the present elk calving ground will be determined. Adjacent areas of aspen communities, suitable for habitat modifi- cation to improve their value for elk calving, will also be studied further. Supplemental data from the foregoing studies will be presented to representatives of the CDOW and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With their input, the adjacent areas of natur~il aspen will be sur- veyed to determine which adjacent areas have the greatest potential to be used for elk calving. Once identified, the following wildlife management techniques will be implemented upon approval of the above- mentioned authorities. Dense stands of aspen will be cleared to create openings ranging in size from one to five acres. Areas having an understory of snowberry or sagebrush will be preferred. Areas dominated by chokecherry and serviceberry will be thinned to allow more light penetration. Trees removed will be left to provide ground cover for newborn calves. Artificial birth beds will be constructed just inside the tree cover by removing the vegetation on an area of the proper dimensions (approximately 3 feet by 5 feet). The adjacent tracts, southwest of the permit area, are of sufficient size to absorb any temporary displacement of elk until reclamation has been completed." In order to collect the data necessary to choose and establish adja- cent calving areas the following study was done. The two major objectives were to determine elk habitat preferences during the calving period by observations and to locate calving beds and characterize them according to vegetation, slope, aspect, elevation, bed size, etc.