INTRODUCTION 



This report describes results of the fourth and final year of the 

 Circle West wildlife monitoring study, coordinated by the Montana Depart- 

 ment of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), as described in the 

 Circle West Wildlife Baseline Study Final Report (DNRC 1978) and the 

 first, second, and third wildlife monitoring reports (DNRC 1979, 1980, 

 1981). The report period extended from March 1, 1981, through May 31, 

 1982. The monitoring studies were terminated by Meridian Land and 

 Minerals Co. in May 1982. 



STUDY AREAS AND OBJECTIVES 



Study efforts during this period were primarily limited to the 

 113-section Mine Study Area, as described in the second monitoring report 

 (DNRC 1980). Within this area, the most intensive study occurred in the 

 31.5-section Permit Area, defined on January 23, 1980. This Permit Area 

 includes the original 11.5-section Proposed Mining Area, plus additional 

 areas to the northeast and southwest that are being considered for coal 

 strip mining or associated development (see Figure 1 in DNRC 1980). Some 

 work was conducted in the Reconnaissance Study Area (see Map 1 in DNRC 

 1978), which includes most of McCone County. Results of the concurrent 

 vegetation monitoring study have been presented by Prodgers (1982). 



In order to provide data on big game distribution in the area 

 surrounding the Mine Study Area, the area to be covered by the aerial 

 surveys was expanded in 1982 to include roughly the southern half of 

 McCone County. 



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