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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />designed to determine the condition, trends, and seasonal use characteristics within the anticipated areas <br />of disturbance. <br />LarLFe Mammals <br />The wildlife habitat use study was primarily oriented towards evaluating the use of the mine site and <br />surrounding area by big game, i.e., deer and elk. The study which was conducted by VTN, consisted of <br />aerial and ground observations, browse utilization studies, and pellet group transects. Specifically the <br />studies were directed towards providing the following information: <br />(1) Seasonal habitat use patterns by deer, elk, and cattle and competition for browse between these <br />species. <br />(2) Condition of range and browse and trends in the habitat carrying capacity (i.e., increasing or <br />decreasing). <br />(3) Interspecific differences in utilization of browse species and intraspecific differences in <br />utilization under different conditions at various sites. <br />(4) Impacts of mining and habitat management measures to maintain total browse availability. <br />The techniques used to provide this information included intensive and extensive browse utilization <br />transects and pellet group plot counts. <br />Methodoloi! <br />Eight intensive browse transects were established in fall 1974, and two extensive browse transects were <br />established in spring 1975. Three additional extensive transects were run in 1976. Both intensive and <br />extensive browse transects were used also as pellet group transects in addition to the pellet group plot <br />transects established in the habitat improvement areas in summer 1975 and 1976. Transect locations are <br />shown on the Big Game Use Information Map (Map 13). (See CDM report for additional information) <br />Each intensive transect was comprised of ten stations along a 1000 ft. transect line. Each station consisted <br />of a plant of the species which the transect was sampling. A major stem of that plant with 10 to 20 young <br />shoots was designated for measurement and identified by a metal tag. All shoots above the metal tag were <br />measured in centimeters and converted to inches. Measurements were made in the fall (October) after the <br />growing season had ended, but before the deer and elk moved into the range, and again in the spring (late <br />April - early May) after the deer and elk moved off the range but prior to the start of the growing season. <br />Sampling consisted of measuring and recording the length of all the current year's growth above the metal <br />tag on the designated stem in the fall. The same shoot (stem) was measured again in the spring. By <br />comparing the fall and subsequent spring measurement the amount of growth consumed during the winter <br />was determined, expressed as percent utilization. comparison of fall measurements and winter utilization <br />values over a period of years indicate the average amount of annual growth and use, respectively, and the <br />trends (increase or decrease) in both parameters. <br />Data from the intensive browse transects are shown in Table 2.04.11-1, Intensive Browse Transects. <br />Extensive browse transects were placed in known high-use areas on the site to supplement the intensive <br />transect data on deer and elk winter use. By sampling the known high-use areas over a number of years, <br />the browse utilization in these key wintering areas could be more accurately estimated. Each extensive <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.04.11-2 Revision Date: 6/23/08 <br />Revision No.: MR-91