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Section 779.20 (c) Continued. ` could be explained almost solely on the duration and intensity of the more recent study. Although nearly twice as many species were observed in 1979, six species observed in 1975 were not encountered. These species were: Southern red-backed vole, Montane vole, western jumping mouse, white tailed prairie dog, Erime and the Colorado chipmunk. The reason these mammals were not encountered in 1979 is not known. According to the Northwest Colorado Coal Environmental Statement, the Colorado chipmunk is located only in the western portion of northwest Colorado. Preferred habitat for the white tailed prairie dog is given as saltbush, sagebrush, and greasewood. These species then would also be more common to the western areas of northwest Colorado. Montane voles are reported to be common in open meadows while red-backed voles and Erimes are not even listed as occurring in northwest Colorado. Prime habitat for the western jumping mouse • is reported to be willow bottoms which are absent from the proposed mine plan area. Large Mammals. 1975 Investigations Elk. Aerial flights by CDOW in the spring of 1975 to determine winter concentration densities of elk revealed that the wintering population numbered approximately 225 animals with an estimated population in the proposed mine plan area of 6 elk per square mile. As indicated on Twentymile Wildlife Seasonal Use (Map 24), the prime importance of the area to elk is as preferred winter use. Summer use by approximately 30 elk was restricted primarily to the aspen community and the reseeded areas adjacent to the aspen. Tracks and fecal pellets were common in these areas (Dames and Moore, 1975). Among the species recorded, elk signs were found in the aspen stand in Section 9, Township 5 North, Range 86 West. Personnel working at the mine reported seeing about 30 elk in the • reseeded areas adjacent to the aspen woodland and an examination 779-159