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• Mining activities during the permit term from 1988 through 1992 destroyed approximately 100 <br />acres of the treated areas. No further crushing of the mountain shrub community is planned at <br />this time to offset this loss. If evidence indicates significant use from crushing, then crushing may <br />be continued in the latter part of the permit term. A report was submitted to the Division <br />(Appendix W 1989 Annual Report) concerning the results of crushing versus big game use. <br />Sampling and reporting requirements were fulfilled in Trapper's 1989 Annual Report, Section 8. <br />However, in excess of 1,800 acres have been revegetated and are available for big game. <br />Pellet group transects were established on these areas in the fall of 1986 to estimate big game <br />use. It is predicted that increased usage of the reclaimed areas will occur as vegetation <br />reestablishment continues. In addition to pellet group sampling, aerial surveys for big game <br />monitoring will be discontinued as adequate baseline data has been collected. Table 4.6-1 a <br />and 4.6-1 b are provided to evaluate elk and mule deer numbers, respectively, before mining <br />and during active mining and reclamation. Figure 4.6-1 is a letter from the Colorado Division of <br />wildlife granting permission to discontinue monitoring deer and elk on the mine site. <br />The data compiled by both monitoring techniques (pellet group sampling and aerial surveys) <br />strongly suggest that surface coal mining has not resulted in negative impacts or loss of use to <br />resident deer and elk populations as is suggested in Trapper's permit section 4.6 "Wildlife <br />• Mitigation." To the contrary, resident populations of deer and elk have increased since mining <br />and reclamation activity commenced. <br />The overall impact that Trapper's reclamation activity has had on big game animals is very <br />much positive. Reclamation activity has provided a mosaic of plant community vegetation <br />patterns that are beneficial to big game animals. Large concentrations of elk (up to 500 <br />individuals) are commonly sighted on reclaim areas. The combination of adequate hiding <br />cover, water and highly - palatable vegetation make the reclaimed mine site a highly desirable <br />location for wildlife inhabitation. <br />4 -155 <br />