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browse species are dormant or in the spring before significant herbaceous production. <br />During [he summer months, use of browse will drop somewhat and big game will increase use <br />of the more nutritious and palatable herbaceous species, This will again favor the woody <br />component. <br />The use patterns of browse by big game, coupled with the ability of the woody species [o <br />increase under livestock grazing, has resulted in higher woody plant densities. Based on <br />personal observations, discussions with SCS range conservationists from the Craig and <br />Steamboat Springs offices, the State SCS range conservationist in Denver, and plant <br />ecologists from area mines, She somewhat degraded plant community characteristics for the <br />mixed brush and sagebrush types found on the Seneca II Mine are common in northwestern <br />Colorado. <br />Wildlife Habitat and Utilization of Native Rangeland. The Seneca 11 permit area is <br />located in a region that is utilized by a variety of wildlife species. The three primary <br />vegetation types present (sagebrush, mixed brush, aspen) provide food and cover habitat <br />for many of the wildlife species year-round. Of particular interest is the use of the <br />area by big game, upland game birds, and raptors. The Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />(CDOW) has itlentified the general vicinity of the permit area as a production area and <br />winter range for mule deer and elk. The region has also been designated as general <br />distribution areas for sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse. Raptors, including golden <br />eagles, are also present in the area. Other important species in the region include <br />sandhill cranes and golden eagles. Wildlife Studies and species observed on the Seneca II <br />permit area are detailed in Tab 11, Wildlife Survey. <br />Elk use in the area, very common during the winter months and in the spring during <br />green-up of herbaceous species, is year-round. Aerial censuring of big game has been <br />conducted since the mid-1980s and results are presented in annual big game census reports <br />for the Seneca 11 Mine. Large herds of elk and lessor numbers of mule deer are present on <br />reclaimed areas during the winter months. Mule deer are also common on the permit area <br />throughout the year. Elk calving may occur in area aspen stands, particularly in larger <br />aspen stands just off the permit area. <br />Upland game birds are not common on the permit area, with only blue grouse being sighted. <br />Raptors, on the other hand, are fairly common over the area, with golden eagles being of <br />13-3 Revised 01/15/93 <br />