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small over-grazed areas dating to the early 1940s . <br /> Corrective management has improved range conditions <br /> since 1945 , and present stocking levels are one-fourth <br /> lower than at that time . With management , range <br /> quality should improve in the future, but as a result <br /> of natural succession grasslands in Coal Basin are very <br /> slowly converting to aspen and conifer forests , there- <br /> fore reducing the quantity of grassland range . " <br /> Source : U . S . Forest Service <br /> "Past and Present <br /> Condition of Range <br /> and Wildlife Resources <br /> in Coal Basin . " <br /> The south and west slopes of Huntsman Ridge , <br /> which overlie the underground workings , are grazed by sheep . <br /> No surface effects are anticipated from the mining activity , <br /> and the use is expected to continue. <br /> d . Wildlife <br /> The wildlife population of Coal Basin is <br /> diverse . Use of the area has continued in conjunction with <br /> the mining operation , although some disturbance to species <br /> particularly sensitive to human activity may have occurred . <br /> Use is largely confined to the summer months due to the <br /> heavy snows and prolonged winter season which characterize <br /> Coal Basin. <br /> The west and south slopes of Huntsman Ridge, <br /> which overlie the underground workings , is a summer habitat <br /> for deer , elk and small game species , although high elevation <br /> precludes the area as winter range habitat for big game <br /> animals . No surface effects are anticipated from the mining <br /> activity , and the use is expected to continue . <br /> 4 <br />