annual production of 10 young or more from 1977-80. Their ranking from highest 

 to lowest average production is as follows (average 1977-1980 production is 

 shown in parentheses after the stockpond code): NC09 (30), MA07 (27), NCOl 

 (24), MC06 (21). NCOo (20), MA02 (18), NC02 (15). and NC04 (11). Of these, 

 MA07, MA02, and NCOl produced young only during the very wet years of 1978 and 

 19 79. Stockponds MC06 , NC04, NC09 , NC02 , and NC06 contained water during the 

 dry years of 1977 and 1980, and were among the most productive stockponds in the 

 area those years. 



Raptor Nesting Areas 



One of the most notable features of the Mine Study Area is its unusual 

 variety and density of raptors (DNRC 1978, 1979, 1980); seven species are known 

 to nest in the Permit Area. Although some raptors have occupied the same 

 nests since the studies began, considerable year-to-year movement among 

 alternate nest sites, particularly in the case of the buteos , has taken place. 

 For this reason, as well as to ensure protection of the nest sites, only the 

 approximate locations of nesting areas (which have been active at least one year 

 during the study and which may contain several alternative nest sites), and not 

 the exact location of nest sites, are shown on Figure 24. Nesting areas are 

 shown only for the the three raptor species of greatest concern--the golden 

 eagle, prairie falcon, and ferruginous hawk. 



Sharp-tailed Grouse Breeding-Wintering Complexes 



The Permit Area includes at least three major breeding-wintering areas for 

 sharp-tailed grouse (Figure 24). Although some leks were used by displaying 

 males each year of the study, locations of leks in general, particularly the 

 smaller ones, changed considerably from year to year. The grassland and coulee 

 habitats along the Nelson-McGuire Creek divide provide important overwintering 

 habitat near displaying and nesting areas. 



Mule Deer Habitat 



The Mine Study Area supports a substantial mule deer population throughout 

 the year, although spring-fall distribution and density, due to decreased 

 observability, are less well known than winter density. Aerial survey data 

 allow wintering areas that are important year after year to be identified 

 (Figure 8). In Figure 8, areas which have an average 1977-1980 mule deer winter 

 density index of 2 or greater are shown by crosshatching; these areas should be 

 considered important components of key wintering areas. Further study is needed 

 to determine mule deer density, movements, and distribution at other seasons; a 

 recommended study plan is presented in the following chapter. 



Pronghorn Habitat 



The monitoring study has shown that the Permit Area provides important 

 summer and winter habitat for pronghorns . In Figures 11 and 12, areas which 

 have a long-term average density index of 3 or greater are indicated by 

 crosshatching; these should be considered key use areas. The substantial 

 pronghorn population southwest of the Mine Study Area should be investigated in 

 more detail during future aerial surveys of the area (see following section, 

 Recommendations for Future .Monitoring). 



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