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permit area including 2.75 miles of the haul road corridor. Approximately 100 acres of • <br />the severe winter range for elk in the permit area will be affected by mining-related <br />disturbances (i.e., haul road end facilities construction); although none of this range <br />will actually be mined. The facilities, a topsoil stockpile, and the haul road will <br />result in physical disturbance of approximately 45 acres in this area. Disturbances <br />related to the haul road and facilities (noise, traffic, human activity) will pre bably <br />cause elk to avoid more surface acreage than is temporarily lost due to construction of <br />the support facilities. However, most of the wintering elk appear to concentrate on the <br />extreme north and east sides of the permit area (Tab 11) where disturbances will be <br />limited. The disturbances and temporary loss of approximately 100 acres of severe winter <br />range resulting from mining will be short term. Long term impacts, after reclamation is <br />completed are expected to be negligible, since elk utilize reclaimed areas for forage <br />during critical portions of the year as indicated by aerial surveys periodically conducted <br />a[ Seneca II and Seneca 11-W Hines (see Annual Reclamation Reports for the res pc~ctive <br />mines). <br />The Yoast permit area is summer mule deer range. During mining, impacts to mule deer will <br />include habitat loss, and potential for increased mortality due to road kills. However, <br />the level of mule deer use of the area is relatively low. Deer were not observed en the <br />Yoast permit area in great numbers. The local mule deer population wilt not likely be <br />significantly impacted by the proposed mine. <br />Pronghorn use of the Yoast area is negligible. No impact on this species is predicted. <br />Game Birds. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse are considered endangered by the State of <br />Colorado, and are a candidate for Federal Listing (FC2). Two sharp-tailed grouse leY:s are <br />within one mile of the affected area (Exhibit 11-1). Lek STG-1 is less than t/4 mile east <br />of the proposed haul road and facilities, and in view of both. Proximity to traffic (or <br />probably any regular mechanized activity) will not necessarily cause the birds to abandon <br />the breeding ground. For example, a lek discovered in 1993 (STG-4) is situated immediately <br />adjacent to a paved two-lane road. Lek STG-3 is over 1/2 mile east of the nearest <br />potential mine activity, which will be at least partially blocked from view by intervening <br />ridges. While potential impacts could include abandonment of a Lek due to nearby mine <br />disturbance, it is not certain what effect this could have on the population. Lek <br />abandonment end formation can occur as a result of natural processes. Suitable lek • <br />habitat is fairly extensive north of the Yoast permit area, and displaced birds could form <br />4 Revised 06/18/95 <br />