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PERSONNEL CONSIDERATIONS DURING MINING OPERATIONS • Many of the wildlife related problems associated with industrial activity are those caused by people. This is not to say that the actual, visual habitat losses are not an important factor in the degradation of wildlife habitat, but often they are overshadowed by the impact of people. There are a few simple measures that can be implemented which will greatly ameliorate the effects of increased human activity on wildlife populations. Each situation must, of course, be considered separately and consultation with professional wildlife managers is desirable. However, there are a few general guidelines that apply in most cases: I. A great many of the wild animals found in Colorado are most active at dusk and dawn. When possible it would be beneficial to arrange work schedules so that shift changes do not come at this time. This is especially true if the roads used by workers go through h'gh density w:ldlife ar,:as, past intensively used watering sites or staging areas, et al. 2. Wild animals do not abandon their young. It would be very helpful if person- nel were instructed not to chase, handle or bring home any young animals that they may encounter. These animals will have mother close by, even though she may not be visible at the time. To handle or move the youngster almost always guarantees its death. In addition to that, it is against the law. 3. Housing areas for employees should be selected from regions of low intensity wildlife use. • 4. When constructing transportation corridors, these should be located to mini- mize disturbance to wildlife. If at all possible, existing transportation corridors (powerlines, pipelines, roadways, railroad lines, etc.) should be utilized or new ones constructed along existing right-of-ways in preference to a totally new development. If new transportation developments are required, they should avoid all critical wildlife habitat areas. 5. The observation of wildlife is a valid and worthwhile endeavor. The Colorado Division of Wildlife wishes to endorse and promote this pursuit as it tends to instill an appreciation for wildlife in the observer. Observation can, however, quickly become harassment when carried to extremes. It would be good to create a zone of exclusion around some areas or during certain times of the year. For example, sage grouse are highly visible and very attract- ive during the spring "strutting" season. They congregate on strutting grounds and engage in colorful mating displays. They are semi-oblivious to outside interference when engaging in sexual activity. Nonetheless, if they are approached too closely they will scatter and the reproduction process is interrupted. 2.04- 72