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Lorencim Canvon Mine - W(d(i(e TecMiml ReOOrt <br />• determined using a 4.6-m (11.8-foot) long rope. The plot was then cleared of existing pellet <br />groups. Removal of the groups ensured they would not be recounted during subsequent surveys. <br />All transects were resurveyed in May and September 1996. Each time the transects were <br />resurveyed, plots were reestablished using the rope and pellet groups were counted and identified <br />by species. Species identification was based on pellet length. Pellets greater than 3/4 inch in <br />length were counted as elk, pellets less than 3/4 inch were considered deer pellets. After the <br />pellets were counted they were removed from the plot to ensure they would not be recounted <br />during subsequent surveys. Information obtained from the transects was used to assess deer and <br />elk occurrence and use of the three habitat types according to methods described in Longhurst and <br />Connolly (1982) and Davis (1982). <br />Aerial Survey <br />An aerial survey was used to directly collect information on the local wildlife population. The <br />survey was conducted in March 1996. The survey consisted of flying parallel transects distributed <br />across the permit azea in a north-south orientation. Although transect spacing was generally 0.8- <br />km (0.5-mile), flight paths varied somewhat due to local wind conditions and animal identification <br />efforts. However, the entire permit area was adequately covered during the survey. In addition <br />to the study area, a '/z-mile buffer zone surrounding the permit area was surveyed to determine <br />• usage near the permit area. <br />The survey was conducted using a Jet Ranger Helicopter flown slowly at low altitude. The flight <br />crew consisted of a pilot, two observers, and a data recorder/navigator/observer. The altitude of <br />the transects ranged between 30 m and 90 m (100 and 300 feet) above the ground surface, <br />depending upon topography. Airspeed did not exceed 160 km/hr (100 mph). <br />The survey was conducted in the early morning to maximize the potential for observing animals. <br />During the flight, the data recorder recorded a variety of information. The information was <br />provided by the pilot, both observers, and the data recorder. Locations of animals were identified <br />on 7.5 minute quadrangle maps. Descriptive information also recorded included the number of <br />animals in each group, sex of each animal, and age of each animal (i.e. juvenile or adult). <br />Descriptive information was recorded to the extent possible. <br />Roadside Count Survey <br />Roadside count surveys were established based on an initial overview of the 7.5 minute quadrangle <br />maps of the permit area. Four roadside count transects were conducted throughout the permit <br />area. The routes consisted of the main road through Lorencito Canyon, the Coyote-Bonita Canyon <br />loop on the east side of the permit area, the Puertecito-Alamosa Canyon loop on the west side of <br />the area, and the Cow Canyon road also on the west side of the permit area (Map 2.04.11-1). <br /> <br />W ilAlife.475/December 9. 1996 2 <br />