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. The elk normally remain in areas from upper Taylor Creek to several areas in the permit area <br />moving further downslope into Axial Basin only when snows become deep and foraging <br />becomes difficult. However, a few scattered elk are normally observed within [he study <br />permit area regardless of snow depth. <br />Data collected to date indicate that both deer and elk herds using the site and surrounding <br />areas are in good condition, with a young age structure and good reproduction. This is <br />especially evident in the fall, when high numbers of young bucks and bulls have been <br />observed. <br />Initial observations indicated the presence of suitable, traditional elk habitat located adjacent <br />to the southwest of the Colowyo minesite in an area dominated by aspen and servicebeny as <br />shown on the Big Game Use Information Map (Map 13). Information presented in the CDM <br />report, as well as CDOW information indicates this limited area located in the upper reaches <br />of Taylor Creek is on the fringe of a much larger elk calving, nursery and summer range. The <br />area is located in the west fork of Goodspring Creek, east fork of W ilson Creek and the Hole- <br />in-the-Wall Gulch. Based on the data presented in the CDM report for the 1983 and 1984 <br />calving/rearing seasons, this adjacent area likely provides habitat requirements for less than <br />0.1 percent of the White River herd. <br />In personal conversations with CDOW personnel, there is some indication that due to the <br />expanding range of elk into nontraditional summer ranges, a trend is developing for elk to <br />calve wherever they happen to be located at the time. Another surprising trend is occurring <br />• on elk winter ranges. Elk appear to be selecting reclaimed mine lands, reseeded Conservation <br />Reserve Program (CRP) croplands etc. as an important, if not essential, component of the <br />winter range needed for the expanding elk population in northwest Colorado. <br />It is important that the reader be aware that many traditional concepts regarding elk are <br />becoming outdated as elk populations change their habits in response to increased hunting <br />pressures, increased elk populations and improvements on winter ranges. <br /> <br />2.04.1 1-1 1 <br />