METHODS 



Field techniques and analytical methods followed those described in 

 the Wildlife Baseline Study (WBS) Final Report. Six biologists worked in 

 the study area at various times during the March 8, 1979 to February 24, 1980 

 study period. A total of 73 person-days field time was spent in the Mine 

 Scudy Area by project biologists. Of these 73 person-days, 44 were spent 

 in the Permit Area. The [Reconnaissance Study ^re^i received an additional 

 10 person-days field effort. A brief summary of methods employed for indi- 

 vidual study segments follows. 



GENERAL GROUND AND AERIAL SURVEYS 



With the exception of August, 1979, monthly aerial surveys were made 

 over the Mine Study Area through February, 1930. All observations (both 

 ground and aerial) of large mammals, upland name birds, and raptors were 

 recorded on the same data sheets and maps used during the baseline study, 

 and identified in the level column by area, using the revised code shown 

 in Appendix B of the WBS. (Note:mining areas Y and Z were not recorded in 

 the level column during the report period.) Locations of all recorded ob- 

 servations within the Mine Study Area were plotted on maps at a scale of 

 1:24,000. All data (including data sheets and field maps) are on file with 

 DNRC. 



WATERFOWL SURVEY AND CENSUS 



All waterfowl observations were recorded on the waterfowl data sheets 

 used in the baseline study. In addition, censuses were taken of bodies of 

 water in the Mine Study Area (see Figure 2) three or more times during the 

 study period, using methods described in the First Monitoring Report (DNRC 

 1979). A computer program was developed to analyze the waterfowl data, and 

 work was begun on preparing written documentation and a user's guide. 



MONITORING OF RAPTOR NESTS AND GROUSE LEKS 



Raptor nests located in the Mine Study Area were visited in May and 

 June to determine productivity. Leks located in the Mine Study Area were 

 visited in April and October to determine the number of birds in attendance. 



ROADSIDE WILDLIFE SURVEY 



Each of the five roadside wildlife survey routes were run in May, June, 

 and July, 1979, using methods outlined in the WBS and following the 1977 dates 

 as closely as possible. The theoretical total number of species was deter- 

 mined for cumulative sample abundance distributions as breeding-season (May- 

 July) data were pooled for each route and for the five routes combined. The 

 average sample abundances of each indicator species, as well as various community 

 parameters, were plotted in order to graphically portray the nature and magni- 

 tude of year to year fluctuations. 



