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h0 <br /> <br />I' <br />J <br />One great-homed owl nest with two young was located in a Douglas-fir stand in the E <br /> Creek drainage (Figurel). The location of the nest indicated that it may have been built <br />o and the owl utilized the nest this year. <br />more a <br />i <br />i <br /> g <br />ter a yeaz or <br />p <br />by an acc <br /> Northern harrier's were observed in the azea, but no young birds were observed during <br />~ the studies, which would indicate that nesting had occurred. There is suitable nesting <br />_ habitat in the area for this species thus, there is a chance that nesting could occur. <br />1. BIG GAME <br /> Elk, mule deer and black bear aze commonly found in the study area. Elk and deer were <br />~ j commonly observed in the study area and there was evidence of considerable beaz <br /> activity. There are also suitable conditions in some of the area for mountain lions. <br /> Elk were observed during the May and early part of June studies in mountain shrub and <br /> aspen habitat at upper elevations in the study area. Cow elk and calves were observed in <br />f the large aspen stands in June during the calving period. By the time studies were <br />® completed most elk had moved on to higher elevations and were observed only <br /> infrequently. Elk do winter along the faces above the North Fork, but winter use at <br /> higher elevations in the study area is very limited due to deep snow. Based upon <br /> observations and other data much of the area where drilling activity is proposed is more <br /> in transition range. <br /> Mule deer were not observed in any significant numbers during the period of studies. <br /> There were no specific areas where most were observed. Most were observed later in the <br /> studies and in all habitat types. There is very little mule deer winter range in the study <br /> area and this is limited to lower elevations along the North Fork between Bear and <br /> Hubbard Creeks. Some of this area also serves as transition range where deer remain in <br /> the spring prior to moving up country. Drilling activity in this area will be very limited. <br /> Although none were observed, there was considerable evidence of black beaz activity <br />' found throughout the study area. The black bear population in the North Fork Valley is <br /> high and continues to grow. Development activities here and in other project areas have <br /> not been a deterrent to their activities. <br /> t <br />l <br />d d <br /> opmen <br />eve <br />When evaluating potential effects on big game habitat use from propose <br /> activities two things must be considered; (1) numbers of animals that might use the area <br /> for winter or transition range and (2) total amount of habitat available. Based upon <br /> observations made during these studies, elk and deer numbers are low from spring <br /> through fall. In the winter most animals will be found below where most development <br /> activity will occur. Considering the amount of suitable habitat available throughout the <br /> area from spring through fall transition periods there will be little affect on either deer or <br /> elk activity. <br /> <br />13 <br />