Laserfiche WebLink
.,%='' <br />• Deer numbers have also increased based on aerial estimates before and after mining and <br />reclamation activity (Table 2). Deer numbers before mining were estimated at 81 ani- <br />mal sightings (based on an average of 5 years) during the 4-month survey period. <br />Following mining and reclamation, deer numbers increased to 123 individuals, a 150% <br />increase. Similar to elk sightings and based on 198ti-87 data, it is estimated that 70% of <br />deer sightings were from the western 1/3 of the survey area, most of which is reclaimed <br />mined land. <br />Trapper proposes to discontinue winter aerial surveys as adequate baseline data has <br />been collected. Trapper reserves the right to conduct future aerial surveys if such need <br />arises. A possibility also exists that the mine site be incorporated into the Colorado Divi- <br />sion of Wildlife big game survey area. <br />The data compiled by both monitoring techniques (pellet group sampling and aerial <br />surveys) strongly suggest that surface coal mining has not resulted in negative impacts ar <br />loss of use to resident deer and elk populations as is suggested in Trapper's permit sec- <br />tion 4.6 "Wildlife Mitigation:' To the contrary, resident populations of deer and elk have <br />increased since mining and reclamation activity commenced. <br />The overall impact that Trapper's reclamation activity has had on big game animals is <br />very much positive. Reclamation activity has provided a mosaic of plant community <br />vegetation patterns that are beneficial to big game animals. Large concentrations of elk <br />• - (up to 1500 individuals) are commonly site~d on reclaim areas. The combination of ade- <br />quate hiding cover, water and highly-palafable vegetation make the reclaimed mine site <br />a highly desirable location for wildlife inhabitation. <br />I'N~ <br />~~~ <br />J <br />WA/jb <br /> <br />