2008-09-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (5)

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RULE 2 PERMITS transect consisted of 50 stations. Since these were randomly selected each spring, the same plants were usually not evaluated from year to year. Data from the extensive browse transects are set forth in Table 2.04.11-2, Extensive Browse Transects. The investigator would walk ten paces, select the plant nearest his left or right foot and determine: first the condition of the plant (vigorous down to decadent) and second the amount of the current available growth (estimated) has been utilized to the nearest 10%. After 50 shrubs have been evaluated, the average percent utilization of each recorded species is calculated. The pellet group studies were conducted to determine the average daily use of browse species by season (expressed as days use per acre) and the percentage breakdown of utilization by deer, elk and cattle. Pellet group counts were conducted at each station on the intensive transects on lines paralleling the extensive transects, and in addition at two separate locations in the habitat improvement areas. There were ten pellet group plots or stations in each intensive transect. The pellet group plot transects consisted of 25 stations approximately 100 feet apart. Each pellet group plot was a circular area with an 11-foot 9-inch radius. The pellet group sampling consisted of counting and recording the number of pellet groups of deer, elk, or cattle within the plot each spring and fall. After they were counted, the pellet groups were swept off the plot to provide a clear base for the subsequent count. Information on pellet counts for deer, elk, and cattle in set forth in Table 2.04.11-3, Pellet Group Plot Transects For Deer, Elk and Cattle; Table 2.04.11-4, Pellet Group Plot Transects For Deer, Elk and Cattle - Habitat Improvement Areas; and Table 2.04.11-5, Pellet Group Plots - Intensive Transects. Observations through six winters have indicated there are more deer on the site when snows are minimal and, therefore, movement has not been limited. As the snows become increasingly deeper and conditions more severe, the deer either move to the sagebrush-covered south and southeast-facing exposures above Highway 13 adjacent to the mine site and Streeter Mountain, or they move out of the study area. The elk normally remain in areas from upper Taylor Creek to several areas in the permit area moving further downslope into Axial Basin only when snows become deep and foraging becomes difficult. However, a few scattered elk are normally observed within the study permit area regardless of snow depth. Data collected to date indicate that both deer and elk herds using the site and surrounding areas are in good condition, with a young age structure and good reproduction. This is especially evident in the fall, when high numbers of young bucks and bulls have been observed. Initial observations indicated the presence of suitable, traditional elk habitat located adjacent to the southwest of the Colowyo minesite in an area dominated by aspen and serviceberry as shown on the Big Game Use Information Map (Map 13). Information presented in the CDM report, as well as CDOW information indicates this limited area located in the upper reaches of Taylor Creek is on the fringe of a much larger elk calving, nursery and summer range. The area is located in the west fork of Goodspring Creek, east fork of Wilson Creek and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gulch. Based on the data presented in the CDM report for the 1983 and 1984 calving/rearing seasons, this adjacent area likely provides habitat requirements for less than 0.1 percent of the White River herd. In personal conversations with CDOW personnel, there is some indication that due to the expanding range of elk into nontraditional summer ranges, a trend is developing for elk to calve wherever they happen to be located at the time. Another surprising trend is occurring on elk winter ranges. Elk appear to be Rule 2 Permits 2.04.11-3 Revision Date: 6/23/08 Revision No.: MR-91