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Data from the extensive transects which were biased towards key areas of use, show that the <br />areas to [he south and east of the mine are key forage areas for the deer in the winter. These <br />are primarily large expanses of south and east-facing sagebrush-covered slopes where there is <br />less snow cover throughout the winter. <br />Traditionally, the most extensive use on the site has been during the summer and fall months <br />by cattle, deer, and elk. Over-grazing at times by cattle in conjunction with high numbers of <br />deer and elk have resulted in reduced carrying capacity and a general decline in the condition <br />of the range over several years. <br />The reduced carrying capacity resulting from the overuse of the range created an increase of <br />pressure on the more healthy plants. Certain more desirable species, such as bitterbrush, were <br />overutilized throughout the year and offered little or no forage during the critical winter <br />months. In most instances, 8 to ] 0 inches of snow totally covered the plants. <br />Colowyo initiated range management and habitat improvement programs, and other <br />mitigation measures in 1976 to offset the expected impacts of mining. A detailed discussion <br />of the wildlife mitigation plans is set forth in Section 2.05.6. <br />Aeria] Counts (See CDM report for update information) <br />Initial aerial transects were flown monthly throughout the winters of 1974-1975 and 1975- <br />1976, and one flight in 1977 to count elk and deer as well as coyotes, bobcats, raptors, etc. <br />The counts were made to establish population trends, activity patterns, and estimate numbers <br />of animals wintering on the site. As shown on the Big Game Use Information Map (Map 13), <br />the study site was gridded into five areas to allow for more detailed observations. The areas <br />were flown on an east-west pattern. Flight lines were normally about one-half mile apart, <br />which allowed observations to be made a quarter of a mile on either side of the aircraft. All <br />observations were recorded on standard forms and included numbers of animals location, <br />habitat type, and when possible sex and age. <br /> <br />2.04.11-13 <br />