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' Black-tooted Fertet Report <br /> <br />Dowe F•leL4 Project <br />4.0 METHODS <br />1 <br />Discussions between the author and Mr. Bob Leachman (a USFWS Biologist specializing <br />' in black-footed ferrets) were held on December 23, 1993 and April 14, 1994 to develop the <br />clearance survey protocol delineated herein, as well as protocols to be implemented in <br />' subsequent phases of the mine project. This protocol was submitted to the USFWS for their <br />concurrence. Verbal concurrence was received during a July 19, 1994 meeting with Mr. <br />' Bernardo Garza (USFWS Biologist). <br />' 4.1 PRAIRIE DOG TOWN MAPPING <br />' As part of mine permitting studies and ongoing S-year raptor/ prairie dog monitoring studies, <br />prairie dog distribution in Dowe Flats has been mapped since 1987 (HRM 1987, Thompson <br />' 1987, Thompson unpubl. data). Prairie dog mapping is conducted on November 1 and April <br />1, the start and end of the winter raptor residency period. Mapping is conducted by <br />periodically revising prior maps (scale = 1 in.:400 ft.) during approximately 5 hours of <br />' vehicular and pedestrian surveys throughout the valley. Active distribution is based on <br />observed prairie dogs and active burrows. For the attempted 1993/94 diurnal ferret survey <br />' protocol, prairie dog distribution mapped on November 1, 1993 was used. Nocturnal ferret <br />surveys were oriented toward a prairie dog distribution mapped on April 1, 1994. <br />' 4.2 DIURNAL SURVEYS <br />Surveys following the diurnal ferret protocol (USFWS 1989) were attempted over the winter <br />' of 1993!94 to minimize clearance costs and to avoid nocturnal surveys. This protocol is <br />oriented toward locating sign left by ferrets. During winter months, ferret scats, prairie dog <br />' skulls, and ferret diggings are more abundant and observable because prairie dogs are less <br />active and less likely to disturb or destroy ferret sign. Ferret tracks and diggings are also <br />' more obvious and detectable when there is snow cover. <br />Diurnal survey criteria include: <br />1. Surveys are conducted between December 1 and March 31. <br />' Wes~ern Ecosystems, lnc. 5 Nwembcr, 1994 <br />