2013-02-12_PERMIT FILE - M2013007 (16)

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WILDLIFE INFORMATION EXHIBIT H 1. Description of Significant Wildlife Resources on the Affected Lands Mule deer and elk are probably the most critical game resource in this area and the area is used as winter range by the animals. The upper terrace is primarily sagebrush vegetation with sparse herbaceous vegetation and there is considerable farming activity immediately below the terrace on both the east and west sides. There are no trees on the terrace but there are some pinyon pine and juniper trees on the slope where the access road will be constructed. Red fox, cottontail rabbit, and coyote are common small game species in the area. 2. Significant Non - Game Resources on the Affected Lands Small animals such as rodents and small birds occur on the terrace but the sparse, arid vegetation limits productivity of the site. There are no known raptor nests on the permit area or in the vicinity. See Map I - for the vegetation communities. 3. Seasonal Use of Affected Lands The permit area provides some value as winter range for deer and elk. Sagebrush (common on the site) and other uncommon shrubs including four -wing saltbush and rabbitbrush provide winter browse for big game, and pinyon juniper woodland in the drainage that crosses the terrace provides some cover for wintering big game. The extensive irrigated areas along the Uncompahgre River provide crop and pasture forage that is often more attractive to big game in winter, and deer and elk tend to use dry valley margins such as the proposed site more for cover and movement in winter. Also, the landowner has historically used the terrace for sparse cattle grazing which has also limited the benefit to the deer and elk use. 4. Presence and Estimated Population of Threatened or Endangered species in the area. Uncompahgre Pit, February 2013 H -