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1111111111111l11l11 • <br />Parkdale Project • sss Reclamation Permit <br />Exhibit ~ Wildlife Information <br />1.0 Introduction <br />Wildlife habitat characteristics and wildlife utilization of the proposed permit area was <br />evaluated in the field by representatives of Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. on April 21 and <br />22, 1997. In addition, regional published information was reviewed to obtain data on the <br />wildlife resources of the permit azea. Published sources consulted included general texts, <br />journal articles, and field guides pertinent to the permit area and surrounding region as <br />well as Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) distribution latilong study publications. <br />The wildlife resources of the permit area were also discussed with the local CDOW <br />biologist (Duane Finch, Canon City). The objectives of the field survey and information <br />review was chazacterize existing wildlife resources within and near the permit area in <br />sufficient detail so that the effect of the proposed operation on wildlife could be assessed. <br />2.0 Survey Methodology <br />Prior to initiating field studies, a topographic map of the permit area was reviewed to aid <br />in the preliminary delineation of any unique habitats or habitat features. Field surveys <br />were conducted to verify information collected during the information review, to assess <br />existing habitats and habitat features with respect to the habitat requirements of potential <br />wildlife inhabitants, and to inventory wildlife species present. <br />Field surveys consisted of walking transects in representative portions of all major <br />vegetation communities/habitats present in the permit area. Emphasis was placed on <br />surveying portions of the permit area located within or adjacent to proposed disturbance <br />areas. During the field surveys all observations of wildlife species, their definitive sign <br />(nests, scat, tracks, burrows, etc.), and unique or interesting habitat features were <br />recorded. Notes on the extent and condition of habitats also were recorded. <br />Following compietion of the field survey, copies of an aerial photo of the permit area <br />were obtained from the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Canon City to <br />aid in the delineation of vegetation communities /wildlife habitats. <br />3.0 Results <br />3.1 Habitat Conditions <br />Wildlife species and habitats occurring in the permit area are typical of the Front Range <br />foothills of southeastern Colorado. As indicated in Exhibit J, vegetation types/wildlife <br />habitats present within the permit area include Pinon/Juniper, Shrub/Grassland, Stream <br />Wash, Riparian, Grassland, Pinon/Juniper Grassland, and Grassland/Improved Pasture. <br />The vegetation characteristics of these habitats are described in Exhibit J. Field <br />evaluation of all habitats present within the permit indicated extensive overgrazing by <br />livestock. In most areas almost all the dominant shrub species (four-wing saltbush, <br />rubber rabbitbrush, and mountain mahogany) were heavily hedged down to two year-old <br />