Laserfiche WebLink
Section 779,20 (c) Continued. <br />• developed in an attempt at semi-quantification of qualitative <br />observations for relative comparisons within the study area. A <br />subjective site-specific scale ranging from 1 through 10 (10 being <br />best) was utilized to assign a numerical rating to each one-fourth <br />of a transect. The rating for calving habitat suitability was <br />dependent upon: composition of the understory within aspen stands; <br />density and cover of that understory; proximity to sagebrush meadows; <br />evidence of calving activity (i. e., large elk beds scraped to bare <br />soil); and direct observations of pregnant elk. The rating for elk <br />sign index was a direct correlation with the number of elk signs <br />observed relative to other portions of the area. <br />Whenever possible, elk flushed during these surveys were observed to <br />determine sex and breeding status. In most cases, however, elk <br />ran off and only incomplete information could be recorded. <br />• During these qualitative transects several heavily used trails were <br />discovered. These were investigated to determine type or season of <br />use (i. e., diurnal trail or migratory trail). <br />Methodologies Employed, Avifauna <br />Raptors. Raptors observed during all field activities were recorded <br />as to species, location, habitat, and where possible, age class. <br />Raptors and raptor nest locations observed during the big game <br />aerial censuses were also recorded. Specific raptor nest searches <br />were employed between Pfay 29, 1979, and June 15, 1979. The nest <br />searches consisted of scanning the sandstone bluffs that occur <br />along the western portions of 'the Foidel Creek and Piiddle Creek <br />drainages with the aid of a spotting scope and binoculars. All j <br />other sites which appeared suitable for raptor nesting within the <br />mine plan and adjacent areas were also searched. In addition, the <br />CDOW and the BLM (Hicks (1979) and Conley (1979)) were consulted <br />• concerning the existence of any known raptor nests within the <br />779-140 <br />