2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2009087A (11)

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RULE 2 - PERMITS Elk were generally found throughout the big game survey area. The distribution of elk was • influenced by snow depth, which varied from year to year. Within the actual permit area, elk were observed along the eastern edge, in the south- central portion, and the southern tip of the permit area. The elk herds appeared to be most concentrated in Section 11 T5N R87W and Sections 13, 16, and 21 T6N R87N. Thirty percent of all herds and 37 percent of all individuals were observed in these four sections. Of the elk observed, 434 were seen in mountain brush, and one was found in coniferous forest habitat. Elk were absent from portions of the bid; game survey area where the predominant habitat types were agricultural fields, reclaimed grasslands, and level grasslands. There were no elk observations in the proposed PSCM surface disturbance area, and the proposed disturbance is not located in an area that would interfere with migration patterns (Map 2.04.11 -M1, Wildlife Information - Elk) (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). Mule Deer — CDOW has designated the permit area as follows: the north - central portion of the permit area is considered mule deer winter range with a smaller portion as critical and severe winter range. The entire permit area is mule deer summer range. No migration corridors are located in or near the permit area. Portions of County Road 27 in the southern and northern portion of the permit area are mule deer highway crossings. The PSCM surface disturbance area has been designated by CDOW as severe and critical winter range, general winter range., and summer range (CDOW 2008a) (Map 2.04.11- M2,Wildlife Information — Mule Deer and Pronghorn). Mule deer herds were predictably located in the southwest extent of the Seneca II and Yoast Mine big game survey areas each year that the surveys were conducted, but occurred in relatively low numbers. From 2000 to 2007, biologists recorded only 11 mule deer herds on or within two miles of the Seneca II and Yoast Mine permit areas. Most of the observations occurred near the southern • edge of the big game survey perimeter on the sparsely- vegetated, south facing slopes north of Fish Creek (Section 32 -34 T5N R87W). The number of deer in a herd ranged from one to 17 individuals (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information). During the big game survey in January 2009, one mule deer herd of :16 animals was observed. The herd was seen in the same area as previous mule deer sightings. No mule deer were observed in the PSCM surface disturbance area during the January 2009 big game survey Figure 2.04.11 -F1 shows the mule deer winter big game densities from 2000 to 2009 (Exhibit 2.04.11 -E1, Fish and Wildlife Information).. Pronghorn — CDOW has designated the permit area as follows: the pronghorn overall range is present in the northwest and the southeastern corners of the permit area. There is no summer range in the PSCM permit area, but winter range occurs just outside the permit boundary to the northwest. The PSCM surface disturbance area has no designated seasonal ranges for pronghorn (CDOW 2008a) (Map 2.04.11 -M2, Wildlife Information — Mule Deer and Pronghorn). Pronghorn have been relatively uncommon in the big game survey areas. During the Seneca II and Yoast Mines big game surveys, 36 pronghorn were observed just northeast of the Yoast Mine permit area in 1994. In 2005, 47 pronghorn were observed: one individual in the CRP land in Section 28 T6N R87W, and a herd of 46 individuals in Section 20 and 21 T6N R87W. Pronghorn have been observed on or within two miles of the permit area on only two occasions during the Seneca II and Yoast Mines big game surveys from 1994 through 2007. LJ PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -153 6/15/09