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• Snow depth measurements were no[ made in the sagebrush communities since qualitative observations (monthly <br />aerial surveys 1980-84) indicate, that in most wm[ers, sagebrush communities within [he permit area m <br />Twentymile Park are ro[ally covered by snow. It was inferred from [his information that few sage grouse winter in <br />sagebrush communities within [he permit area in Twentymile Park. <br />Sandltill Crane Nesting Surve <br />sandhill crane nesting surveys were conducted in the Twentymile Park permit area on June 4 and June 20, 1984. <br />Nesting surveys consisted of biologists waiking along all drainages and the perimeter of stock ponds where <br />suitable cover was present for sandhill crane nest establislunent. All observations of areas of suitable nesting <br />habitat, nests, and observations of sandhill cranes were recorded and plotted on field maps. In addition, results of <br />a 1984 CDOW helicopter nest survey and a 1983 nest survey (Grant 1983) were reviewed. <br />Critical hie Game Winter Ranee versus nermit Area and Surface Disturbance <br />As a portion of the Wildlife Resources Information requirement, elk attd mule deer critical winter range depicted <br />on CDOW Wildlife Information System Maps were compared in relation to the Twentymile Park permit <br />boundaries and proposed areas of surface disturbance. Mule deer and elk winter range, winter concentration <br />areas, severe winter range, critical winter range, and migration routes were plotted on base maps showing the <br />permit boundaries and proposed surface disturbances. <br />Benefits of a Mass Transit System <br />• The benefits of a mass transit system for mine workers was evaluated on the basis of existing information on <br />the intensity and duration of mule deer and elk migration across the proposed access routes and projected <br />traffic levels at TCC. Timing of shift changes and corresponding peak traffic levels were also evaluated with <br />respect to periods of increased potential for road-kills. <br />Road-Kill Monitorine Plan for County Haul Road <br />One concern expressed by the wildlife regulatory agencies was that increased haul truck traffic, from the main <br />portal along the County haul road to the Fish Creek Tipple, may increase the incidence of mule deer or elk road- <br />kills. The literature was reviewed to evaluate the feasibility of various monitoring programs. The monitoring <br />program was developed in consultation with the CDOW so that the most feasible and cost-effective program could <br />be formulated. <br />RESULTS AND DISCUSSION <br />Wildlife Habitat Characteristics <br />Historically, the lower portions of Twentymile Park were dominated by a low sagebnislt (Artemisia arbuscula) <br />community much of which has been converted to cropland. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) and mountain <br />shrub communities occur at somewhat higher elevations in Twentymile Park, primarily along the peripheral <br />foothill portions. The even higher elevations and steep north-facing slopes surroundim_ the park are dominated by <br />aspen, mountain shrub and occasionally spruce-fir communities. <br />Within the proposed permit area, wildlife terrestrial habitat is correlated to eight plant communities, consisting of <br />• aspen, sa~!ebrush, sagebrush/meadow, mountain shrub, meadow, cropland, reclaimed pasuireland. and pastureland. <br />Aquatic habitat occurs prnnarily along Fish Creek, Foidel Creek. intermittent drainages and at small stockponds. <br />MR 97-I a4 2.04-64 Rey iced 12/09/97 <br />