2009-08-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (4)

Home Browse Search

RULE 2 PERMITS Elk utilize all habitat types within the previously approved permit area during various times of the year, and several elk ranges have been identified as shown on Map 13A and are described below. • Winter range • Calving and summer areas • Late fall and early spring areas Winter ranges are typically occupied from December through April. Within the general project area, winter aerial surveys of elk from 1994 through 1997 found that elk populations varied greatly. Populations varied from a high of 1,590 and a low of 259. This represents 5.5 and 0.9 percent of the total White River herd. This variation is based on both snow depths and temperature. In general, most observations of elk during the winter were made within the mountain shrub habitat type in the previously approved permit azea. Elk calving and summering areas are typically occupied from May through September and occur within the upper ends of drainages within the mountain shrub and aspen habitat types within both the previously approved and South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision areas. During the period of 1994 through 1997 [he calf:cow ratio averaged 58:100 in these areas (Monarch and Associates, 1997). Calving and summering areas are the predominant elk habitat in the vicinity of the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit area (Monarch and Associates, 1998), which provides cover, forage, and water during the April to July period until early snows cause them to move down country to wintering ranges. As indicated by Jon Wangnild, the CDOW District Wildlife Manager for the Meeker North Area, mining activities in the South Taylor/L.ower Wilson permit revision area will not be a migratory limiting factor nor will it limit habitat due to the relative small area of impact and the abundance of suitable habitat in surrounding areas. Mule Deer -Like elk, mule deer within the general project area utilize all habitat types and aze part of the White River herd. The buck:doe ratio of the White River herd in 1997 was 11:100. This is somewhat higher than the 8.5:100 ratio noted in the general project area from 1994 through 1997. Four types of mule deer range occur within the previously approved and the South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit aeeas, as described below. Locations of the high use wintering areas and late fall [o early spring areas are shown on Map 13B. • Spring/summer range • Winter range • High use wintering areas • Late fall and early spring areas South Taylor/L.ower Wilson -Rule 2, Page 84 RCV151on Date: 11/30/06 Revision No.: PR-02