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F-1 Field Notes <br />Nuvemco Weed/Raptor Survey Notes, 10-27-08 <br />Vegetation <br />The Last Chance Mining Area surveyed has elevations ranging from 6,300 to 6,600 feet. <br />Dominant plant species on the higher ridges included: pinyon pine, Utah juniper, and mountain <br />mahogany. The lower areas were dominated by big sagebrush, juniper, grey rabbitbrush, rice <br />grass, wheatgrass, cheat, and other grasses. <br />Birds <br />Suitable raptor nesting habitat within the general area is limited to medium-sized cliff faces and <br />isolated tree tops. The apparent population of cottontail rabbits could provide good hunting. <br />Neither nesting raptors nor empty raptor nests were seen during our two days of surveying. One <br />unidentified raptor was seen but was likely just passing through the area. I also heard the cry of <br />a red-tailed hawk over Paradox Valley. To summarize bird observations: <br />West of the area I observed one (1) juniper titmouse and one (1) raven responded to great-horned <br />owl calls. Some unidentified song birds were also observed. <br />In the general area of the Last Chance Mining area, I observed three (3) northern flickers and two <br />pair of scrub jays; again, all sightings were in response to vocal great-horned owl calls. An <br />unidentified raptor was observed kiting high above the cliffs south of the area. Another great- <br />horned owl call provoked the cry of a red-tailed hawk, heard from the northeast above Paradox <br />Valley. Numerous unidentified song birds were also seen. <br />Weeds <br />As weeds are known to persist in disturbed areas, search efforts were mainly directed towards <br />disturbed areas within the tracts. Targeted areas included roadways, ATV trails, and old mine <br />sites. To summarize weed observations in the Last Chance Mining area: <br />¦ Kochia, cocklebur, Russian thistle, cheatgrass, and other unidentified (but confirmed not <br />noxious) weeds found around the C-can area. <br />¦ A lot of kochia and an unknown weed from the Aster family were found along ATV trails <br />(confirmed neither noxious) <br />In conclusion, no confirmed noxious weeds were observed within the Last Chance Mining, area, <br />although isolated infestations of Russian knapweed are present adjacent to the county roads some <br />mining access roads in the area. As this survey was conducted late in the growing season and <br />nearly all inflorescence and leaves were gone or wilted, it made it very difficult to identify all of <br />the weeds we encountered. Surveys will be conducted again in the spring. <br />Mammals <br />The only mammals we observed over the two days were two cottontail rabbits and a least <br />chipmunk in the Last Chance Mining area. We did note a high occurrence of rabbit droppings <br />and mule deer tracks and droppings were found throughout the Last Chance Mining area; some <br />Last Chance Mine April 2009 <br />AppF - I