PERMFILE104466 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

State Reg. .,,~~ - ~< The• increase' in herbaceous species'ori the 'reclaimed areas will improve the grazing available for elk andwill provide succulent forages in the ='~ 'spring for deer and elk. Yoakum "arid Dasmann (1971) discussed the `importance of succulent forages for big game in the spring and faN. '`' Does and elk cows will directly benefit frorri the available forages during 'the latter part of gestatiori and during lactation. Scotter (1980) in a review of wild ungulate-habitat management, pointed out the importance ' of herbaceous species as part of the total habitat requirements of these ' ~ '' ' `Forb establishment will be a very important aspect of the increasing wildlife utilization of the reclaimed lurid. Forbs will be added to the mix in amounts determined by their commerical availability. Direct hauled topsoiP and natural inJasion'will provide additional seed sources. The establishment of perennial fortis on reclaimed areas at the Seneca II Mine ' has been very successful' where topsoil has beeri replaced. • ~ Water impoundments which existed prior to mining will be replaced - ~ (Exhibit 12-9). In particular, the two ponds in the northeastern portion of ' the perrimit area will be replaced. These ponds not only support water- " '" 'fowl, but also provide watering facilities for the elk population in the -^'a~ea. - '. The potential elk calving grounds in-the northeastern part of the permit area are discussed in detail in the Wildlife Baseline Report (Tab I I). A more detailed study is required to determine whether these areas are critical to the elk population. Additional monitoring will be done on this areo in cooperation with The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the Mined Land Reclamation Division (MLR). As details become avail- able, mitigation measures will be reviewed and modification or' improve- ments will be made as necessary. As shown on'the Reclamation Plan Map, Exhibit 13-7, mining will not immediately take place in all of the areas in question. This will allow time for monitoring of the areas and the' identification of additional areas off-site available for calving.