Laserfiche WebLink
scattered throughout the area, but mainly occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated <br />• stands of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) are found at the highest elevations. Rolling rangeland <br />and agricultural fields are in the north-central, extreme northwest, and southeast portions of the <br />azea. Bottomland habitat occurs along major creeks (Grassy Creek, Sage Creek, Dry Creek) and <br />their larger tributary draws. <br />Elevations at Yoast range from 6,800 to over 7,900 feet ASL. Terrain varies from rolling <br />rangeland and agricultural fields in the north, to high ridges and steep slopes in the central and <br />southern parts of the permit area. Most of the area is drained by Grassy Creek, which runs along <br />the southeast side of the permit azea. A small part of the area drains to Sage Creek, which <br />borders the southwest side of the permit area. <br />Mountain brush is the most prevalent habitat on the permit azea. Big sagebrush <br />(Artemisia tridentata) habitat occurs as scattered patches on high flats and ridge tops. Aspen <br />stands are present in moist areas along wide drainage bottoms, and on north- and east-facing <br />slopes. Bottomland is limited to narrow bands along lazger drainages and around stock <br />reservoirs. Idled pastures (CRP lands) and agricultural fields flank the haul road corridor. <br />• <br />BIG GAME <br />One aerial survey for big game, primarily elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer <br />(Odocoileus hemionus), was conducted on 25 January 2006. The 89.5 mil survey azea was <br />seazched from a helicopter (Bell 47; Olathe Spray Service, Olathe, CO) by systematically flying <br />all drainages and adjoining slopes in the azea. The survey was started in the northeast region of <br />the survey area at 0750 h and completed in the west at 1400 h. <br />Two J&S biologists and the pilot searched for big game and other wildlife during the <br />survey. The locations of all relevant sightings (including big game, mammalian predators, and <br />grouse) were plotted on 1:24,000 topographic maps. Habitat associations were also recorded for <br />each observation. <br />• <br />2006 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 2 <br />