PERMFILE103841

• Permit No: M1997054
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Section_Exhibit Name: EXHIBIT H WILDLIFE INFORMATION
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
999
Exhibit H CMLRB 112 Permit Application
Agile Slone Systems. Inc.
• Exhibit H Wildlife Information

1.0 Introduction
Wildlife habitat characteristics and use of the permit azea were field evaluated by Cedar
Creek Associates, Inc. (4/21-22/97). Regional published information was also reviewed
for wildlife data in the permit area. Published sources included general texts, journal
articles, and field guides pertinent to the permit area and surrounding region as well as
Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) distribution study publications. The wildlife
resources of the permit area were also discussed with the local CDOW biologist (Duane
Finch, Canon City, and Chris Kloster, Pueblo). The objective of the field survey and
information review was to chazacterize existing wildlife resources within and near the
permit area in sufficient detail to assess the impact of the proposed operation on wildlife.
2.0 Survey Methodology
Topographic maps of the permit azea were reviewed to aid in the preliminary delineation
of any unique habitats or habitat features. Aerial photograph copies of the permit area
were obtained from the Natural Resources Conservation Service of'f'ice in Canon City to
aid in the delineation of vegetation communities and wildlife habitats. Field surveys
were conducted to confirm published information reviewed, inventory wildlife species
present and assess existing wildlife habitats and habitat features. Field surveys consisted
of walking transects in representative portions of all major vegetation
communities/habitats present in the permit area. Emphasis was placed on surveying
areas located within or adjacent to proposed disturbance areas. All wildlife species
observed, their definitive signs (nests, scat, tracks, burrows, etc.), unique or interesting
habitat features and habitat extent and condition were recorded.
3.0 Habitat Conditions
Wildlife species and habitats occumng in the permit area are typical of the Front Range
foothills of southeastern Colorado. The vegetation types/wildlife habitats present include
Pinon/Juniper, Shrub/Grassland, Stream Wash, Riparian, Grassland, Pinon/Juniper
Grassland, and Grassland/Improved Pasture. The vegetation characteristics of these
habitats are described in Exhibit J.
Field evaluation of all habitats present within the permit indicated extensive overgrazing
by livestock for many decades. In most areas almost all the dominant shrub species
(four-wing saltbush, rubber rabbitbrush, and mountain mahogany) were heavily hedged
down to two yeaz-old woody stems. Some of the hedging observed was likely the result
of mule deer winter use of the site, but the frequency of droppings in most areas indicated
predominantly livestock use. Mule deer pellet groups were commonly encountered only
on the pinon/juniper slopes north of Tallahassee Creek. Mountain mahogany and four-
wing saltbush represent high value browse species for both livestock and deer, but rubber
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