Bighorn Sheep Survey 



During bighorn sheep roadside counts, 52 sightings of bighorn sheep were 

 recorded (20 ewes, 1 ram, 19 lambs, and 3 unidentified). Locations of these 

 and other bighorn sheep sightings are shown in figure 5. 



On October 10, 1979, during the riparian survey, a group of 10 sheep was 

 observed just upstream from the proposed dam's discharge tunnel outlet. This 

 group consisted of 5 rams, 3 ewes, and 2 lambs. Later that day, another 

 group of 12 sheep was observed on the open slopes above Kootenai Falls. This 

 group contained 4 rams, 5 ewes, and 3 lambs. 



On April 10, 1980, a group of three sheep was observed during the project 

 area census. This group, bedded on the open bluff across the canyon near the 

 proposed discharge tunnel outlet, was composed of 1 ewe and 2 lambs. 



During April 1980, a ground search for evidence of sheep use was 

 conducted on the north shore along the proposed pool. Sheep tracks and 

 droppings were found along the jeep trail and in the apple orchard, but no 

 sheep were seen. A bedding area, with numerous beds, was present in the 

 orchard in the lower Sheppard Meadow. Whether this bedding area was being 

 used by sheep or deer could not be determined. 



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