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Section 779,20 (c) Continued. <br />• of the mine plan area. The dates were chosen to correspond with <br />previous big game inventories on the proposed mine plan area con- <br />ducted during the spring of 1975 using similar techniques (USDI <br />(1977)). <br />April surveys were flown primarily to locate sagegrouse strutting <br />grounds; however, the aerial transects were identical to previous <br />flights and all elk and deer observations were recorded. Aerial <br />counts were made by two observers in a high-wing aircraft flown <br />along parallel transects at an indicated air speed of 90 to 100 <br />mph. The first six surveys (February, Piarch, and April of 1979) <br />were flown at one-half mile intervals and at an elevation of <br />approximately 150 to 300 feet (see Twentymile Park February, ?larch <br />and April elk observations, Maps 18, 19, and 20, respectively). <br />Coverage by the June 11th survey was directed primarily at the mine <br />plan area and transects were spaced at 1000 foot intervals (see <br />• Twentymlle Park June Elk Observations (Map 21)). <br />Observers counted and recorded all species of wild mammals and <br />raptors observed, including location so that distributions could be <br />mapped. Habitat, sex, age, and activity were noted when they were <br />distinctly determined. <br />After each low level survey of the mine plan area, a higher (approxi- <br />mately 1000 feet) and less intensive survey was flown over the <br />Aoutt National Forest between Fish Creek and the Dunckley Flattops <br />to determine whether elk use this area primarily as summer range. <br />From May 29 through 31, 1979 during the small mammal, medium sized <br />mammal and avifauna inventories, incidental observations of deer <br />and elk were recorded on field maps. <br /> Beginning June 4, 1979 and extending through Juna l5, 1979 specific <br />. efforts were made to identify and quantify elk use of the study <br />779-138 <br />