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along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir are found at the highest elevations. • Rolling rangeland and agricultural fields are in the north-central, extreme northwest, and southeast portions of the area. Bottomland habitat occurs along major creeks--Grassy Creek, Sage Creek, Dry Creek--and their lazger tributary draws. On the proposed Yoast permit area, elevations range from 6,800 to over 7,900 feet above sea level. Terrain varies from rolling rangeland and agricultural fields at the north edge to high ridges and steep slopes in the central and south parts of the proposed permit azea. Most of the area's drainage enters Grassy Creek, which runs along the southeast side of the permit azea. A small part of the area drains to Sage Creek, which borders the southwest side of the permit area. Mountain brush is the most prevalent habitat on the proposed permit area. Sagebrush habitat occurs as scattered patches on high flats and ridge tops. Aspen stands occur primarily in moist areas along wide drainage bottoms or on north- and east-facing slopes. Bottomland is limited to narrow bands along lazger drainages and around stockponds. Improved pasture and agricultural fields are found along the proposed haul road corridor. Big game--elk (Cervus elaphus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemiorsus), and pronghorn (Arstilocapra americarsa)--were counted during an aerial survey completed on 23 January 1995. The survey was coordinated with Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) personnel and coincided with CDOW's schedule for surveying big game in the region. The same helicopter and pilot (High Country Helicopters, Montrose, CO) used by state biologists were used during • the Yoast survey. The 84.5-miZ survey area was searched by systematically following each drainage and thoroughly covering adjacent slopes before moving to the next drainage. The 1995 Yoast Mine Site Big Game Acrial Survey Page 2