Raptors 



Of the 15 species of raptors observed on the study area, 

 the osprey would have the greatest potential for receiving 

 adverse impacts as a result of mining and related develop- 

 ments. Threats to raptor nesting success and consequent 

 population stability include shooting, pesticide-induced 

 reproductive failure, heavy metal contamination, nest moles- 

 tation and habitat alteration (Johnson and Melquist 1973) . 

 At least three of these possibilities exist with mining 

 development on the study area. Shooting of raptors has al- 

 ready been reported from the area and in Idaho "shooting is 

 almost certainly the primary cause of mortality in osprey 

 populations" (Johnson and Melquist 1973) . Increased use of 

 the Lake Creek Valley because of human population growth 

 would likely add to this type of loss. Heavy metals from 

 the mine development may escape into the environment, which 

 was the case in Idaho where Mink et al. (1971) indicated 

 that despite the construction of settling ponds in the 

 Coeur d'Alene River mining area, heavy metal (cadmium and 

 zinc) levels remained high, both from seepage and from ero- 

 sion of old tailings. The effects upon osprey reproduction 

 of heavy metal contamination from zinc, lead, iron and 

 copper in the Coeur d'Alene River is lander investigation 

 (Johnson and Melquist 1973) . 



Habitat utilized by both forest and open country raptors 

 would be lost in the vicinity of mine facilities and the 

 tailing impoundment. The clearcut area of the tailing im- 

 poundment currently provides a food source of ground squirrels 

 and other small mammals which are used by red-tailed hawks 

 and American kestrels. Two barred owls and a great horned 

 owl were found dead on roads — apparent victims of vehicle 

 collisions. This type of loss would be expected to increase 

 with increasing vehicle traffic in the Lake Creek Valley. 



Forest Grouse 



Adverse consequences for ruffed grouse will occur with 

 the widening of the haul road, maintenance clearing and con- 

 struction of the tailing pipeline and transmission line, 

 disturbance and construction at the well field and sump site 

 as well as inundation and maintenance of the tailing pond 

 area. Although artificial openings such as those created 

 through logging and fire may provide additional habitat for 

 ruffed grouse, few areas will be opened and allowed to re- 

 vegetate into shrubby habitat during this development. 



Blue grouse are not likely to be impacted from mine ac- 

 tivities unless the road from Stanley Creek over Mount Vernon 

 to Ross Creek is used. Blue grouse were regularly observed 



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