2008-02-04_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A

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Species List for the Permit Area; and Table 41, Amphibian and Reptile species List for the Permit Area. Included • on these lists are the scientific names that correspond [o the common names used in this response. These lists were compiled from data collected by the three previous studies in the area (see Introduction), a literature review, and opportunistic observations made by CCA during the 1984 field studies. More specific faunal information is provided below under the following headings: Small Mammals, Medium-sized Mammals, Large Manunals, Raptors, Upland Game Birds, Waterbirds, Songbirds, and Aquatic Organisms. Small Mammals Small mammal trapping conducted during [he previous studies documented three principal species: deer mouse, leas[ chipmunk, and vole. Other small manunals observed on or in [he vicinity of fhe permit area include Richardson's ground squirrel, northern pocket gopher, and golden-mantled ground squirrel. Preferred habitats of these and other species expected to occur on the permit area are listed on Table 39, Mammal species Lis[ for the Permit Area. Medium-sized Mammals Many species of medium-sized mammals have been recorded for the general region of the permit area by previous investigators either through direct observation or definitive sign. These species include predators such as coyote, red fox, badger, and longtailed weasel. Other species confirmed for the area include yellow-bellied marmot, white-[ailed jackrabbit, muskrat, and beaver. Preferred habitats of these species are listed in Table 39, Mammal Species List for [he Permit Area. The only medium-sized mammal listed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1978) as important [o [he area is beaver. In the permit area, most aquatic habitat is not adjacent to aspen stands or other suitable food sources required by beaver. Recent beaver activity was noted only in the upper portions of drainages • along the northwest boundary of the permit area and in Fish Creek in the southwest corner of [he permit area. Large Mammals CDOW Wildlife Information System Maps for elk and mule deer were obtained for the general permit area and information portrayed was plotted in relation to the permit area. This information is presented on Map 19, Elk Biological Features and Map 20, Mule Deer Biological Features. Map l9, Elk Biological Features, shows that the entire permit area lies within elk winter range, with elk critical winter range occurring along [he northwest boundary and in [he southeast portion of the permit area. Observations by [he Applicant's biologists indicate that elk occur primarily in Twentymile Park during late fall and early winter as they move to more suitable winter range near the boundaries of the permit area and to the west of the permit area. By late December, elk have usually moved out of the lower elevations in Twentymile Park. A majority of the permit area does no[ support preferred winter habitat for elk, and except in the southeastern portion of the study area and along the northwest boundary, there are no steep south-facing slopes which would be relatively free of snow during critical winter periods. No elk calving areas have been identified for the permit area. As noted on Map 19, Elk Biological Features, the eastern boundary for elk severe and critical winter range in [he northwest portion of the permit area is plotted incorrectly on the CDOW maps. The boundary for these ranges should not extend east into the lowland portions of Twentymile Park. Habitat in this area consists primarily of cropland and sagebrush which are not preferred critical winter range habitats for elk. In addition, vegetation in this area is usually completely covered by snow bymid-winter. Mule deer are relatively common summer inhabitants in [he mountain shrub communities (Map 18, Premising • Vegetation) along [he Northwest edge and southeast portions of [he permit area. Because of the predominance of cropland and other open habitats in the permit area, the year-round population of mule deer is small. Map 20, Mule Deer Biological Features, shows that the steep southeast and southwest slopes in the vicinity of Foidel Creek and existing mine operations are winter concentration areas and are classified as critical winter range. These MR 97-154 2.04-68 Revised 10/02/97