2008-02-04_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A

Home Browse Search

Cropland, 12cclaimed Pastureland, and Pastureland • These habitats are similar in that they have been disturbed either by cultivation or surface mining and have been replanted primarily for agricultural or grazing purposes. Together, cropland (6,612 acres), reclaimed pastureland (1,429 acres), and pastureland (839 acres) account for over 68 percent of the total acreage of the permit area. Cropland vegetational cover is absent or sparse during early spring and increases during the growing season until harvest. After harvest, fields are covered with low remnant vegetation (stubble) which may be grazed or is plowed into the soil. Principal crops in Twen[ymile Park are winter wheat and, occasionally, oats or barley. Reclaimed pastureland and pastureland have been replanted primarily for grazing or for hay production. In pastureland, smooth brome (Bromus inermis) is the predominant species with scattered individuals of common dandelion (Taraxacum officianale), s[arwort (Stellaria spJ, and American vetch (Vicia americans) also present. On reclaimed pastttreland smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass (Aeropyron intermedium), and alfalfa (Medicaco saliva) are the dominant species. Cropland, pastureland, and reclaimed pastureland vary in their usefulness to wildlife depending on density, species and height of vegetation, crops sown, and frequency of disturbance. The most significant value of these habitats to wildlife is that of providing a seasonal source of food to animals inhabiting adjacent habitats and to some migratory species. Mule deer, elk, waterfowl, sharp-tailed grouse, and sandhill crane are species that are commonly associated with these habitats on a seasonal basis. Representative resident species include deer mouse, northern pocket gopher, northern grasshopper mouse, and Richardson's ground squirrel. Aquatic • Fish and Foidel Creeks, intermittent drainages, and small stock ponds provide the only aquatic habitat in the permit area. Most ponds receive only intermittent inflow and, therefore, exhibit marked fluctuations in water level. Furthermore, most of the stockponds are utilized by cattle and have been heavily trampled around the edges. As a consequence, the establishment of emergent vegetation around most stockponds is negligible. A few of the more protected, smaller ponds that occur in drainages bisecting croplands support small stands of common cattail (Tvplta latifolia) and relatively dense stands of sedges (Carer spp.), bulrush (ScirpttS spp.) aitd Baltic rush. In some cases sufficient vegetational cover is present [o attract nesting sandhill cranes. Beaver activity was only noted in dte upper portions of intermittent drainages along [he northwestern edge of the permit area and in Fish Creek near the southwest corner of the permit area. Marked Fluctuations in stream Flow in Fish and Foidel Creek and grazing along Fish Creek severely restrict the growth of woody riparian vegetation along these streams. Woody riparian vegetation is limited to small stands of willows (Salix spp.) occurring as inclusions within sagebrush/meadow habitat along the upper portions of Fish Creek in the permit area. The stream habitat is variable due to [he highly fluctuating Flows and temperatures. Foidel Creek is classified as a non-fisheries stream. Fish Creek is classified as fisheries but the value rating is considered poor. These streams do receive some use by puddle ducks such as mallard and green-winged teal. Some amphibian and reptile species such as boreal toad, boreal chorus frog, leopard frog, and wandering garter snake inhabit and breed in aquatic habitat in the permit area when sufficient moisture is present. . Faunal Characteristics of the Permit Area Vertebrate wildlife species occurring or likely to occur within the proposed Foidel Creek Mine pennrt area have been compiled on three separate species lists: Table 39, Mammal Species List for the Permit Area: Table 40, Bird MR 97-154 2.04-67 Revised 10/02/97