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and the resultant effect on the affected elk herd. Obviously there must be some point at which total elk numbers will decline if calving areas are sufficiently disturbed. The Division of Wildlife has made considerable payments to landowners • in the Axial Basin and Deer and Morapos Creeks for game damage to certain agricultural crops. We expect this problem to intensify as the Federal government and industry develop coal resources in the area. We have no documentation that I am aware of that Colowyo is wholly or partially responsible for game damage mentioned; however, one could resonably expect that if animals are displaced from historic wintering areas where their use was not considered damage to areas where their use is considered damage, then the entity responsible for displacing these animals has placed a fiscal burden on the state. Monies For payments to landowners for game damage, game damage prevention materials, and labor costs for game damage responsibilities come from the Game Cash Fund which is entirely funded by sportsmen through license sales. ~ have mentioned this because I want to stress that deer and elk pop- ulations are probably affected in two ways. First, there is a direct loss of habitat by mining and anallary facilities both of which consume habitat formerly occupied by wildlife populations. Second, there is a displacement of animals, some onto private lands where these animals are not wanted, re- sulting in direct payments to landowners as well as labor and material cost which effectively decrease the total amounts of funds available for positive wildlife management actions. Some wildlife losses can be at least partially mitigated. Many tech- • niques have been developed to enhance rangelands by increasing available forage. Activities such as prescribed burning, roller chopping, anchor chaining, and fertilization have been used and offer wide application opportunities. I recommend that we meet to develop an effective mitigation plan for your prJ~PCt. It =~ ~mcortant to identify those impacts that can be mit- igated and then to apply the most appropriate Cechniques to accomplish the mitigation goals. This can only be done subsequent to an intensive field review. I would further recommend that you communicate directly with Dr. Clait Braun regarding sage grouse and any possible impacts your project may have on this species. He can be contacted at: Research Center 317 West Prospect Fort Collins, CO 80522 484-2836 You should also ask the same questions of Chuck Woodward that you asked of me. I am sure that you will find Woodward~s knowledge of wildlife popula- tions important to you in preparation of the application. He can be contacted at: •