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Conclusions <br />Game Resources. <br />Mule deer use is nearly non-existent with the current use of the land. If mule deer populations <br />increase fawns could be killed on the narrow access road. Due to the number of mule deer <br />present and the likelihood that number will not grow considerably, this should not be a problem. <br />In extremely cold and snowy winters, mule deer may concentrate in the canyon bottom. DOW <br />identifies areas where 90% of the population concentrates in the worst two winters in ten. If <br />during the course of mining this were to occur, road-mule deer problems may surface. Speed <br />limit, hours of operation and other factors may need to be considered. <br />Waterfowl may be displaced by passing vehicular traffic in places where the road is directly on <br />the stream bank. Ample loafing and feeding territory exists above, below, and through the <br />project reach to accommodate affected birds. Mining will likely not affect waterfowl or <br />shorebirds using the river. Post-mining habitat could be better depending on land management. <br />Surface owner decisions will affect post-mining land use including wildlife habitat. <br />Non-Game Resources. <br />Bald eagles are known to habituate quickly to routine operations and it is unlikely extraction will <br />affect wintering bald eagles. Great blue heron may be flushed while foraging in the river where <br />the access road encroaches the river. <br />GRGP construction and operation is not likely to disturb raptor nests since suitable nesting <br />habitat in trees and canyon walls is plentiful and far more suitable than remnant trees or tall, <br />invasive shrubs currently provide. Suitable tree or tall shrub nesting habitat existing prior to <br />vegetation type conversion was removed when trees and tall shrubs were removed. Remnant <br />trees on East Creek immediately north of Pit 1 and other trees will be avoided. These trees do <br />provide for smaller tree nesters. While no active or inactive nests were observed in 2009, nesting <br />potential exists post-mining. <br />Foraging great blue herons may be startled by passing traffic, but no habitat will be directly <br />affected. Ample foraging area is available in this reach of the Gunnison River. <br />Gunnison River Gravel Pit Wildlife Information