2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2009087 (18)

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Sage Creek Mine February 2009 • Individuals and herds ranging in size from 2 to 79 individuals have been documented. During that time, herd size was the smallest in 2006 with a median herd size of 5 individuals, while the largest herd size was documented in 2000 with an average of over 16 individuals. Total elk numbers were highest in 2003 when 865 elk were observed and lowest in 2006 when 185 elk observed. Elk density (the number of individuals per square mile) between 2000 and 2007 ranged from 3.6 elk per square mile (2006) to 16.9 in 2003 (Figure 1). A similar variability has been noted over the entire survey period (1994 to 2007), although more elk have generally been recorded in the Seneca II Mine area than on the Yoast Mine survey area. The largest concentrations of wintering elk have typically been recorded along the moderately high ridgelines and associated stands of Gambel oak near Grassy Creek in the east and northeast portions of the Sage Creek Mine survey area. Fewer, but fairly regular observations of elk have also been documented within the higher foothills at the southwest margin of the permit area. The greater elk numbers recorded near the Seneca Mine are likely attributed to the greater diversity of habitats and better availability of winter forage and refuge for elk, but the yearly weather conditions also likely influence the annual distribution of elk throughout the entire survey area. For example, the lower densities documented in 2006 and 2007 were probably a result of heavy snow cover, which may have forced elk herds to • lower elevations completely outside of either the Seneca II or Yoast Mine big game survey areas. The big game survey on the Sage Creek Mine survey area was conducted on January 30, 2009. Observation conditions during the survey were excellent, due to the fresh snow from several of the previous days and the optimal flight conditions (i.e., good lighting and low winds). A total of 435 elk (5.2/m i2) in 88 herds were seen during the survey (Figure 1). The number of elk per observation varied from 1 to 36 animals, and averaged 4.9 individuals. Elk were widely distributed throughout the area, but were notably absent from the northwest, south central, and extreme eastern portions of the survey area (Exhibit 1). The predominant habitat types in those portions of the survey area were agricultural fields, reclamation, and level grasslands. Over 99% (434) of the elk observed were associated with mountain shrubland (mountain brush) habitat, while the remaining (1) was found in pine habitat. Elk herds appeared to be most concentrated in Section 11 T5N:R88W and Sections 13, 16 and 21 T6N:R87N. Thirty percent of all herds and 37% of all individuals were observed in these four sections. Overall density for the 2009 survey (5.2 elk per mile) was slightly lower than the last completed survey for the Seneca II and Yoast Mines in 2007, and also lower than the average density between 2000 and 2007 (8.1 elk per mile). However, the Sage Creek Mine survey area may not be directly comparable to previous survey results, as it incorporates a • greater amount of marginal elk winter habitat (low- elevation grasslands). 10