Developing criteria for reclamation of sage grouse habitat on a surface coal mine in northeastern Wyoming

Conference · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5292076

Colenso, B E; Boyce, M S; Tate, J Jr

The sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a Western game bird, known to depend heavily on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata, hereafter called sagebrush) for both food and cover. It is generally acknowledged that sagebrush eradication programs have taken a toll on sage grouse populations throughout much of their range. It is conceivable that further population declines may result from surface mining and other land use changes, unless essential habitat components for this species are determined. A program can then be developed to restore habitat suitable to the sage grouse following mining. This study is designed to define seasonal changes in sage grouse habitat selection, and to identify the characteristics of crucial habitat. Special attention has been given to habitat use during critical periods, such as wintering and nesting times. This will allow one to suggest which habitat features should be emphasized during reclamation in order to benefit sage grouse.

• OSTI ID: 5292076
• Report Number(s): CONF-801263-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
550100 -- Behavioral Biology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
BIOSPHERE
BIRDS
COAL MINING
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENT
FEDERAL REGION VIII
LAND RECLAMATION
LAND USE
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
POPULATION DYNAMICS
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
REVEGETATION
SITE SELECTION
SURFACE MINING
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
USA
VERTEBRATES
WYOMING