2008-04-15_REVISION - M1980244 (362)

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• Baseline Technical Report ARCADIS Report for Soils and Biological Resources, Cresson Mine Life Extension Project Area 5.0 WILDLIFE RESOURCES The wildlife information presented in this section is a compilation of data from: CC&V's files (CC&V 1992, 1993, and 1998); wildlife inventories performed by Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW 1997); the results of wildlife inventories performed in 1996 (JBR 1997), in 1999 by Greystone, and most recently by ARCADIS in 2007; a review of applicable literature and file survey and previously gathered wildlife information, a preliminary habitat survey, a raptor nest survey, and a survey for certain Threatened, Endangered, Candidate and Sensitive Species (TECS), for the 700-acre area. The 1999 inventories were conducted within the Study Area and portions of the surrounding lands. A site visit by ARCADIS in 2007 confirmed that the Study Area, overall, has not changed drastically since the survey work in 1999. The 2007 field visit confirmed that suitable habitat exists for many of the species discussed in detail below. Generally, suitable habitat does not exist or is limited for the federally listed threatened 0 and. endangered species discussed . in section 4.5. The discussion that follows includes site-specific information where appropriate. 5.1 BIG GAME The Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis) is the most numerous big game species within the District, where they inhabit all but the active parts of the mine area. CDOW habitat mapping indicates that the area provides summer and overall. ranges, while winter range is found 2 to 5 miles east and south of the Study Area. Elk sign (primarily pellet groups) was observed throughout the Study Area. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) evidence in the form of pellets was also observed during the site visit. CDOW habitat mapping indicates that the District provides summer and overall ranges, with some winter range south and west of the Cities of Cripple Creek and Victor (primarily along lower Cripple Creek and Squaw Gulch). Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) do not generally occur within the District, but areas of bighorn sheep overall and winter ranges are found several miles to the northeast and southwest (CDOW 1997). The District is part of black bear (Ursus americana) overall range, and is also designated a human/bear conflict area. The conflict area is that portion of the overall range where two or more confirmed black bear complaints per season were received 0 CCV Final Technical Report (3-28-08).doc 14