Laserfiche WebLink
• 14. Ani~~n] s <br />a. 'fcrrestria] 'dildlif~ <br />Development of: a surface mine on the three lease <br />applications would impact many of the wildlife species <br />utilizing tl~e sites. <br />~'oise and }~uman activity associated with the ^:i::e <br />a~ould cause some animal;, to leave ttie area. T`.e <br />distance traveled from the mining operation wou'_d <br />depend on the animal's mobility and its tolerance for <br />the increased activity. Deer and elk probably -.:ould <br />not completely abandon the area due to the zcti':ity, <br />but more sensitive species, such as the cougar and <br />black bear, crould avoid the tract. The loss e' this <br />• area as hunting range for cougar and bear would be <br />significant due to its location in an area caher=_ much <br />coal development is already taking place. <br />Elk calving on and adjacent to the lease sites mould <br />be disturbed by the noise of equipment and other <br />' activity associated with mine development, but the <br />calving area 2 miles from the site caould probably not <br />be affected. The loss of three elk calving areas <br />could be expected co be significant. Displaced <br />animals might find a substitute area that would be <br />more secluded where chey could calve. With the con- <br />tinned disturbance or destruction of elk calving <br />. grounds, a reduction of the ulk population in the <br />area would eventually occur. <br /> <br />