REP40562 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

UPLAND GAME BIRDS Three sharp-tailed grouse leks were discovered in the Yoast area during baseline studies in 1993. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has designated the leks as follows: Annan's 20-mile N1 (in SE'/< SE'/o Section 9, TSN, R87W); Annan's 20-mile N2 (in SE'/a SE'/a Section 5, TSN, R87W); and Annan's 20-mile !f3 (in SE'/a NW'/a Section 9, TSN, R87W). In previous Yoast annual reports, Annan's lek numbers I, 2, and 3 had been referred to as lek STG-4, STG-1, and STG-3, respectively. PRES biologists attempted to check the three leks within one hour of sunrise on 25 and 27 April 2000. Those mornings, biologist drove or walked to a vantage point near each lek to count all birds present. Searches for new leks on the permit area were conducted on 25 and 27 April. Field personnel looked for displaying grouse while slowly driving around the permit area. Frequent stops were made at vantage points to scan and listen for birds. SANDffiLL CRANES • No specific surveys were conducted for sandhill cranes in 2000. However, field personnel watched and listened for crane activity while conducting other surveys and traveling in the area. Particular attention was given to habitats most likely to attract cranes, such as drainages and meadows. RF.Si l1.TS BIG GAME The sky was partly cloudy during the aerial survey on 16 February. Snow coverage was complete, but less than one foot deep. Most of that snow had accumulated in the four days preceding the survey. In general, snow fall was rather minimal in the area during winter 1999-2000. Visibility during the survey was rated as good. Expanded Survey Area A complete listing of all wildlife observations made during the aerial survey is given in Appendix [. Big game observations are also illustrated on Exhibit 1. A total of 679 elk (7.6 /mil) in 38 herds were seen during [he survey. Three herds of mule deer (24 animals) 2000 Ynast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3