080121-08MN006-Sabina Hackett River Project Proposal ... - NIRB

Description of the Existing EnvironmentTwo ungulates were observed in the Hackett RSA:• Barren Ground Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)• Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus)Six carnivores were observed in the Hackett RSA:• Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)• Wolverine (Gulo gulo)• Wolf (Canis lupus)• Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)• Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)• Ermine (Mustela erminea)Three small mammals were observed in the small local study area (sLSA) during baseline smallmammal inventories:• Northern red-backed Vole (Clethrionomys gapperi)• Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)• Arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii)6.2.3.1 Baseline Study AreasFrom April to September of 2007, terrestrial vertebrate studies were conducted at 3 differentspatial scales depending on the species or group being investigated (Figure 6.2-1). Details of thebaseline study dates and methodology will be included in the 2007 wildlife baseline report(Rescan 2008d). Spatial scales included the regional study area (RSA), local study area (LSA)and small local study area (sLSA). The RSA was developed to account for the extensive homeranges and seasonal movements of large mammals such caribou and muskoxen. The LSA, onthe other hand, was for baseline investigations of species that have smaller, localized seasonalmovements and ranges. The sLSA was created for those species with considerably smallerranges, including small mammals, waterfowl and songbirds, which have restricted home rangesduring the breeding season and are not normally limited by rare habitat features.Surveys for caribou, muskoxen and large carnivores were conducted in the RSA. Surveys forcliff-nesting raptors and mammal dens were conducted in the LSA. Surveys for waterfowlspecies, productivity, and variable range point counts for terrestrial upland breeding birds wereconducted in the sLSA. All lakes and bodies of water were assessed for waterfowl and thesurvey was duplicated in the late summer in order to document production of young waterfowl.Thirty-two variable range point counts (1 km in length with 5 point count stations each) wereconducted within the sLSA in June.January 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 6–31 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)