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RULE 2 - PERMITS <br />• Results from past surveys of the Seneca II and Yoast Mines indicate that elk were the most <br />prevalent big game species in the area. Between 2000 and 2007, biologists recorded an average of <br />416 elk per year and an average of 44 herds per year in the combined big game survey areas for <br />these mines. Total elk numbers were highest in 2003 when 865 elk were observed and lowest in <br />2006 when 185 elk were observed. Herds ranged in size from two to 79 individuals (Exhibit <br />2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). <br />Elk density (the number of individuals per square mile) in the Seneca II and Yoast Mines big game <br />survey areas varied annually. Between 2000 and 2007, elk density ranged from 3.6 elk per square <br />mile in 2006 to 16.9 in 2003. Similar variability has been noted over the entire survey period (1994 <br />to 2007). In general, more elk have been recorded in the Seneca II Mine area than in the Yoast <br />Mine area. The largest concentrations of wintering elk have typically been recorded along <br />moderately high ridgelines and associated stands of mountain brush in the east and northeast <br />portions of the SCCC big game survey area. Fewer, but fairly regular observations of elk have also <br />been documented within the higher foothills at the southwest margin of the PSCM permit area <br />(Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). <br />A total of 435 elk in 88 herds were documented during the January 2009 PSCM big game survey. <br />The number of elk per observation ranged from one to 36 animals and averaged 4.9 individuals. <br />The overall density of 5.2 elk per mile for the SCCC big game survey area was slightly lower than <br />the last completed survey for the Seneca II and Yoast Mines in 2007, and lower than the average <br />density between 2000 and 2007 (8.1 elk per mile). The density of big game in the survey area may <br />not be directly comparable to the previous study results due to the greater amount of marginal elk <br />• winter habitat (low- elevation grasslands) in the PSCM big game survey area Figure 2.04.11 -F1 <br />shows the elk winter big game densities from 2000 to 2009 (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife <br />Information). <br />• <br />PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -151 6/15/09 <br />