2011-02-18_REVISION - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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o Core range: 14860.30 acres o Lek areas: 1777.59 acres o Production areas: 16747.12 acres Columbian Sharp-tail Grouse (CSG): Although less in number to GSG, there is a healthy population of CSG in this area. Columbian sharp-tail grouse spend their entire life cycle within the proposed Collom boundary. CSG breed and raise young within the sagebrush and grassland habitats found on the open ridges on the north slope of the Danforth Hills, including the Collom boundary. In the winter, CSG move up in elevation and utilize the mountain shrub and (to a lesser extent) aspen vegetation communities the loss of habitat, as well as the ancillary disturbance associated with mining, will have an adverse affect and displace these birds. Actual acreage impact to CSG in the disturbance boundary: o Core range: 0 acres o Lek areas: 169.84 acres o Production areas: 1420.47 acres Actual acreage impact to CSG in the permit boundary: o Core range: 0 acres o Lek areas: 2474.81 acres o Production areas: 8031.43 acres Elk: A significant number of elk utilize this entire region. The proposed Collom expansion is within an elk migration corridor and elk production area. Thousands of elk migrate through this area from summer ranges across the White River National Forest to winter ranges in the Axial Basin, Crooked Wash, and Maybell areas. Approximately 500-1500 elk utilize this area in the Danforth Hills as a production area and to raise their calves through the summer. The number of elk wintering in this area varies depending on winter conditions; however, thousands of elk consistently migrate through this area on an annual basis. Actual acreage impact to elk in the disturbance boundary: o Production area: 562.38 acres o Winter Concentration area: 1006.81 acres Actual acreage impact to elk in the permit boundary: o Production area: 3602.17 acres o Winter Concentration area: 11386.43 acres o Migration Corridor: 17.56 acres • Mule Deer: The Collom expansion is mapped mule deer critical winter range. Wintering deer rely heavily upon the browse species like sage brush, serviceberry, and oakbrush found on the open, south facing slopes as well as the ridge tops and bottoms. Deer are typically not as adaptable to disturbances as elk and therefore will be more adversely impacted by this action. Actual acreage impact to mule deer in the disturbance boundary: o Winter Concentration area: 1167.66 acres Actual acreage impact to mule deer in the permit boundary: o Migration corridor: 1861.68 acres o Winter Concentration area: 16170.37 acres