The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAPA408A<.MJ-,r SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT PHASE I FINAL·R·EPORT BIG GAME STLIDIES Volume'III MOOSE --UPSTREAM Warren B.Ballard Craig L.Gardner John H.WesUund James R.Dau ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Submitted to the Alaska Power Authority March 1982 - - - PREFACE In early 1980,the Alaska Department of Fish and Game contracted with the Alaska Power Authority to collect information useful in assessing the impacts of the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project on moose, caribou,wolf,wolverine,black bear,brown bear and Dall sheep.This information,along with information on furbearers,small mammals,birds, and plant ecology collected by the University of Alaska,is to be used by Terrestrial Environmental Specialists,Inc.of Phoenix,New York,in preparation of exhibits for the Alaska Power Authority's application for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license to construct the project. The studies were broken into phases which conformed to the anticipated licensing schedule.Phase I studies,January 1,1980 to June 30,1982, were intended to provide information needed to support a FERC license application.If the decision is made to submit the application,studies will continue into Phase II to provide additional information during the anticipated 2 to 3 year period between application and final FERC approval of the license. Wildlife studies did not fit well into this schedule.Data collection could not start until early spring 1980,and had to be terminated during fall 1981 to allow for analysis and report writing.(Data continued to be collected during winter 1981-82,but could not be included in the Phase I report.) The design of the hydroelectric project had not been determined.Little data was available on wildlife use of the immediate project area,although some species had been intensively studied nearby.Consequently,it was necessary to start with fairly general studies of wildlife populations to determine how each species used the area and identify potential impact mechanisms.This was the thrust of the Phase I Big Game Studies.During Phase II,we expect to narrow the focus of our studies to evaluate specific impact mechanisms,quantify impacts and evaluate mitigation measures. Therefore,the Final Phase I Report is not intended as a complete assessment of the impacts of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project on big game. The reports are organized into the following eight volumes: - ..- Volume I. Volume II. Volume III. Volume IV. Volume V. Volume VI. Volume VII. Volume VIII. Big Game Summary Report MOose-Downstream MOose -Upstream Caribou Wolf Black Bear and Brown Bear Wolverine Dall Sheep - SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FINAL PHASE I REPORT BIG GAME STUDIES VOLUME III MOOSE -UPSTREAM Warren B.Ballard, Craig L.Gardner, John H.Westlund and James R.Dau ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Submi tted to the Alaska Power Authority lk Ilia'Sj~ B5~ ''0,4'()~ -. - .- SUMMARY During April 1980,and March and May 1981,58 adult and 16 calf moose were captured by darting from helicopter and radio-col- lared.Biological specimens and measurements were collected to evaluate physical condition,age and reproductive status of each moose.Average age of adult cow moose captured in 1980 was 9.4 years,which was significantly older than moose captured in 1977 and older than other Alaskan moose popUlations.Sixty-two per- cent of the moose were 10 years old or older.At least 73 per- cent of the cow moose examined were pregnant.This pregnancy rate was lower than that found in other moose studies but this may have been due to errors in pregnancy determination. Blood parameters indicated that calves sampled in 1981 were in better physical condition than those from 1979 when animals were SUffering from nutritional stress during a severe winter.Adult moose captured in 1979-1980 were in poorer condition than those sampled in earlier Susitna studies and other Alaskan moose popu- lations.This suggested that range conditions have deteriorated in the upper Susi tna Basin since 1977.However,twinning and natality rates remain high.Earlier studies had indicated that this moose population was not at range carrying capacity and that predation was limiting recrui trtlent. Data obtained from earlier moose studies in the Susi tna Basin were combined with similar data from this project to evaluate movements and home range sizes.Between October 1976 and mid- August 1981,more than 2,700 locations were obtained on 207 moose of both sexes and all age classes.Moose were subjectively clas- sified as migratory or nonmigratory.Migratory moose occurred in areas east of Watana and Kosina Creeks.Most moose located west of these areas were nonmigratory.Several migratory travel routes were identified.Most movements followed drainage pat- terns of creeks and tributaries and,thus,were in a north-south direction. i During this study,moose generally moved to lower elevations during late spring and early summer.As summer progressed,moose generally moved to higher elevations.Winter elevations were significantly higher than summer elevations.Observation of moose at relatively high elevations during winter was attributed to mild winters during most of the study period. Ninety-one percent of radio-collared moose observations were located on flat or gentle slopes.Flat and southerly exposures composed 54 percent of the observations. Monthly habitat utilization data by radio-collared moose as determined from aircraft were presented and discussed.Fifty- nine percent of the basin was covered by conifer and shrubland habitat types but these two types constituted over 90 percent of the moose observations.Use of willow habitat types corresponded wi th observed al ti tudinal movements.Reasons for non-use of other habitat types were di scussed.Problems associated with de- termining habitat use by moose with the methods used were re- viewed. From October 1976 through December 1981,33 radio-collared moose crossed the Susitna River a minimum of 73 occasions.During 1980 and 1981,all documented crossings occurred from May through November.Track sightings suggested that crossings also occur during other months.River crossings appeared concentrated in the following areas:mouth of Fog Creek to area opposite Stephan Lake,mouth of Deadman Creek upstream for approximately 5 miles, Watana to Jay Creek,and from Goose Creek to Clearwater Creek. Data describing the distribution of radio-collared moose during the rut and parturition were presented.Apparent breeding and calving areas were identified. A winter census of the two impoundments was conducted in March 1981.A total of 28 moose were counted in the Devil Canyon im- ii - - - - - - poundment while 42 moose were counted within the Watana impound- -.----------_.-_.- - - - f"""ment.Mild winter conditions probably contributed to the low count.- - - Sex and age composition surveys and a random stratified census were conducted in the study area during November 1980.It was estimated that 2,046 ±382 moose occupied the areas north and south of the proposed Watana impoundment.A crude population estimate of 1,151 moose was made for the project area lying west of Kosina and Watana Creek.The entire upper Susi tna Basin above Devils Canyon and excluding Lake Louise Flats and the areas south of the Maclaren River was estimated to contain 4500 moose in fall,1980. Moose parturition from 1977 through 1981 generally occurred from 15 May to 15 June of each year peaking between 25 May to 2 June. Rates of calf production have been quite high,however,mortality during the first 6 weeks of life has also been high.Earlier studies documented the importance of brown bear predation to calf survival. Based upon movement studies conducted from 1976 through 1981,13 moose subpopulations were identified which could be impacted by the construction and operation of the two impoundments.Each subpopulation was briefly described.Several significant dis- persals of moose from the impoundment areas were described. Seasonal and total home range sizes were determined for 162 radio-collared moose.Total home ranges ranged from 3.8 to 2911 km 2 and averaged 224.2 km 2 •Home range sizes of Susi tna moose were relatively large in relation to those reported else- where from North America. Proposed project impacts partially included the following:loss of habitat and mortality of moose occupying the impoundment iii I I I areas,decreased range carrying capacity of adjacent areas due to -------------- overstocking by displaced moose,increased vulnerability to pre- dation,disruption and perhaps prevention of both sedentary and migratory moose from crossing the river,alteration of weather patterns causing increased mortality and decreased productivity, and an increase in accidental deaths.It was suggested that the Watana impoundment would have a larger impact on moose than the Devil Canyon impoundment.Impacts on moose could possibly be reduced by lowering the normal pool elevation and by stabilizing water levels. Average maximum length of moose home ranges was 28.7 kIn.This area was used to identify an area of impact around the two im- .poundments.Numbers of moose occurring in the impact area were extrapolated from census and stratification data and from numbers of radio-collared moose home ranges overlapping the census area boundaries.An estimated 3,040 moose would be moderately im- pacted by the proposed project.Of that total an estimated 2,400 moose are expected to be severely impacted. Addi tional data needs and proposals for Phase I I studies were briefly described an~d discussed. iv ,..,. ..... - - ..... ..... -~ ..... - TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY STUDY AREA RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Condition Assessment Movements Elevationl Slope and Aspect Usage by Moose Habitat Usage River Crossings Breeding Concentrations Calving Areas Winter Distribution and Number of Moose in Relation to Impoundments Fall Distribution Fall Sex and Age Composition Population Estimates Calf Production and Survival Subpopulations Moose Dispersal Home Ranges of Moose POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON MOOSE PROPOSED STUDIES FOR PHASE II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS REFERENCES APPENDIX A APPENDIX B v Page i vi xi 1 3 24 26 40 53 56 61 70 72 72 74 80 80 87 91 93 97 98 100 109 112 113 119 169 l' ,I P'f' I T ! LIST OF TABLES Table 1.Habitat classification utilized to classify moose habitat usage from fixed-wing aircraft from April 1977 through mid-August in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Table 1A.Comparison between aerial habitat, classifications and those of Viereck and Dyrness (1980)used to classify observations of radio-collared moose in the Nelchina and Susita River Basins of southcentral Alaska from 1977 through mid-August 1981. Table 2.Location and description of 33 snow depth markers erected for Susitna moose studies in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Table 3.Listing of observed snow depths at 33 snow markers located in the Susitna Hydroelectric project study area on 9 November 1980. Table 4.Location,age,reproductive status, physical measurements,and statistics associated with the capture and handling of 40 adult moose in the Susitna River study area from 11 through 23 April 1980. vi Page 8 10 12 20 27 LIST OF TABLES (cont'd) Table 5.Location,age,reproductive status, physical measurements and statistics associated with the capture and handling of adult and calf moose in the Susitna Hydroelectric Project Study Area during spring 1981. Table 6A.Blood values from adult female moose collared downstream from Watana dam site,April 1980. Table 6B.Blood values from adult female moose collared upstream from Watana dam site,April 1980. Table 7.Blood values from adult cow moose sampled in spring 1981 in the Susitna River Study Area of south- central Alaska. Table 8.Comparison of moose blood and morphometric condition parameters from Alaskan populations sampled in late winter and spring (sample size in parenthesis,table modified from Smith and Franzmann 1979). Table 9.Selected blood and morphometric values of calf moose captured in March and May 1981 in the Susitna River Study Area of southcentral Alaska. vii Page 36 41 43 45 47 50 """" - - ! I I LIST OF TABLES (cont'd) Table 10.Comparison of selected blood and morphometric values for calf moose sampled in two areas of GMU-13 of southcentral Alaska during March 1979 and May 1980. Page 51 Table 11.Summary of elevational use by approx- imately 200 radio-collared moose (both sexes and all age classes)from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in the upper Susitna and Ne1china River Basins of southcentral Alaska.58 T T I r" Table 12.Summary of aspect usage by radio- collared moose of both sex and all age classes as determined from topographic maps from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska. Table 13.Monthly use of habitat types by radio- collared moose of both sex and all ages as determined from fixed-wing aircraft from 1977 through mid-August 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins. Table 14.Summary of radio-locations,calf producti~n and River crossings of radio-collared moose located from 11 April 1980 through mid- viii 60 62 LIST OF TABLES (cont'd) Table 14.(cont'd) August 1981 in the Susitna River Basin of sQuthcentral Alaska. Table 15.Summary of moose sex and age com- position data collected annually each fall since 1955 in count area 6 north of the Maclaren River in GMU 13 of southcentral Alaska. Page 65 83 Table 16.Summary of moose sex and age com- position data collected annually each fall since 1955 in count ~ area 7 of GMU 13 in southcentral Alaska.84 ~ Table 17.Summary of moose sex and age com--position data collected annually each fall since 1955 in count area 14 of GMU 13 in southcentral ~ Alaska.85 Table 18.Comparison of moose sex and age ratios and aggregations derived ~ from three different types of surveys which were conducted in the Susitna River Hydroelectric Project Study Area during November 1980.86 -~ ix - - LIST OF TABLES (cont'd) Table 19.Summary of moose census'data and subsequent population estimates for areas 7 and 14 derived from surveys conducted from 5 through 8 November 1980 along the Susitna River in southcentral Alaska. Table 20.Summary of sample areas resurveyed to determine sightability correction factor for the Susitna moose census conducted from 5 through 8 November 1980 in southcentral Alaska. Table 21.Summary by sex and age class of sea- sonal and total home range sizes for radio-collared moose studied in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins from October 1976 through mid-August 1981. x Page 88 89 99 I i .I Fig.1. Fig.2. Fig.3. Fig.4. Fig.5. Fig.6. Fig.7. LIST OF FIGURES Moose tagging record for moose immo- bilized in 1980 and 1981 in the upper Susitna River Basin above Devil Canyon. Moose radio-tracking flight record for moose located for Susitna studies from April 1980 through mid-August 1981. Illustration of aerial snow marker erected at 33 locations within the Susitna River study area. Locations of individual aerial snow markers erected in the Susitna project area during summer 1980. Boundaries of moose count areas previously surveyed from 1955 through 1981 in the Susitna Hydro- electric Project study area of south- central Alaska. Boundaries of the study area where potential impacts of Susitna River Hydroelectric development were studied during 1980 and 1981. Tagging locations for moose cap- tured and radio-collared in the Susitna River Basin above Devil Canyon in April 1980 for studies associated with determining poten- xi Page 5 7 11 19 23 25 LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd) Fig.7.(cont'd) tial impacts of Susitna hydro- electric development on moose. Page 34 ""'"Fig.8. Fig.9. Collaring locations of calf (>6 mo.) and adult moose captured for move- ment and mortality studies from October 1976 through 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska. General locations of home ranges of radio-collared moose studied from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska. 35 54 - Fig.10.General location of selected home ranges of radio-collared moose studied for Susitna Hydroelectric studies from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in the upper Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Fig.11.Moose migration and movement routes along the Susitna River above Devil Canyon,1976-1981. Fig.12.Locations of Susitna River crossings by radio-collared moose from 1976-1981 in southcentral Alaska. xii 55 57 71 - - 'T i Fig.13. LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd) Locations of radio-collared moose during the rut (20 Sept.-20 Oct.) through fall 1980 in the upper Susitna Rivers area of southcentral Alaska. Page 73 - Fig.14.Locations of radio-collared moose during parturition (15 May-IS June) from 1977-1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins. Fig.15.Relative distribution of moose obser- ved during a winter distribution survey conducted in the Susitna River Hydro- electric Project study area from 4 through 25 March 1980. Fig.16.Distribution of winter (Jan.,Feb., Mar.)observation~of radio-collared moose from 1977 through 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska. Fig.17.Distribution of summer (June,July, Aug.)observations of radio-collared moose from 1977 through 198"1 in the Ne1china and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska. xiii 75 76 78 79 I I; LIST OF FIGURES (cont'd) Fig.18.Relative densities of moose as deter- mined from stratification and census flights made on 2 through 4,8 and 29 November 1980 in the Susitna River Hydroelectric Project study area of southcentral Alaska. Fig.19.Dates of mortalities of collared and uncollared moose calves during 1977, 1978 and 1980 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna Basins,Alaska (modified from Ballard et al.1981). xiv Page 81 92 ""'" """+ - - '""" INTRODUCTION The Susitna River Basin is a rugged wilderness area of high es- thetic appeal and an important habitat to a wide variety of wild- life species (Taylor and Ballard 1979).A variety of hydro- electric proposals seemed to pose threats to wildlife in this area.Moose (Alces alces)which are one of the most important species to humans seemed likely to be impacted.Consequently, some very general popula't:ion assessment work was begun in 1974 (USFWS 1975).This study was funded for 1 year and consisted of a series of reconnaissance flights to identify moose concentra- tion areas.In 1976 limited funds became available to begin gathering baseline data on moose movements and habitat use for areas which could be impacted by the Corp of Engineers two dam proposal (Ballard and Taylor 1980).These initial studies fo- cused on areas lying north of the Susi tna River and were con- ducted from March 1977 through spring 1978 with limited follow-up work from spring 1978 through spring 1979 (op.cit.).Results of these preliminary studies identified some potential problem areas and data gaps for better assessing the impacts of the two dam system on moose. The most significant data gaps identified in the preliminary moose movements study were the lack of moose movement data for areas lying south of the Susi tna River and accurate moose popu- lation estimates for the entire project area (Ballard and Taylor 1980).Funding for the original project terminated in spring 1979 and little work was conducted until 1 January 1980 when the Alaska Power Authority contracted the Alaska Department of Fi sh and Game to conduct the present study.The purpose of this re- port is to present our preliminary findings on moose movements, habi tat use and size and trend of moose populations inhabiting areas which could be impacted by the two dam system.Although this study was funded from 1 January 1980 through 31 December 1981,in depth field studies could not be initiated until March 1980 when radio telemetry equipment was received.Also because of time lags between data entry and output only data up to 1 I I I September 1981 were included in this report.For purposes of home range determination,habitat utilization,elevational use and movement patterns,data from moose captured and studied in other areas of Game Management Unit 13 adj acent to the Susi tna Hydroelectric study area from 1976 to 1980 were included.De- tails of these other studies were provided by Ballard and Taylor (1978i 1980),Ballard and Gardner (1980),Ballard et ale (in press),and Taylor and Ballard (1979). Objectives of the upstream moose studies during the first year of study were: To identify moose subpopulations using habitat that will be inun- dated by proposed impoundments. To determine the seasonal distribution,movement patterns,size and trends of those subpopulations. - To determine the timing populations on habitat electric Project. and degree of dependency of those sub- to be impacted by the Susi tna Hydro- 2 - METHODOLOGY Adul t moose (.2 year old)were captured with the aid of a heli- copter by darting with 10 cc aluminum darts fired from a Cap-Chur gun (Nielson and Shaw 1967)with a combination of either 9 or 11 cc etorphine (1 mg/cc M-99,D-M Pharmaceuticals,Inc.,Rockville, MO)and 1 or 2 cc xylazine hydrochloride (100 mg/cc,Rompun, Haver-Lockhart,Shawnee,KS)(Ballard and Gardner 1980).Calves (short yearlings..;,10 mo.old)were immobilized wi,th 5cc M-99 with no Rompun.After each moose was processed an equivalent cc dos- age of the antagonist diprenorphine (2 mg/cc M 50-50,D-M Pharma- ceuticals,Inc.,Rockville,MO)was injected into either the radial or jugular vein to reverse immobilization and permit the moose to escape. Captured moose were equipped with a radio collar which allowed each moose to be located from fixed-wing aircraft when desired. Visual collars,similar to those described by Eranzmann et al. (1974)were riveted to each radio collar to aid observation from aircraft and to insure individual recognition.Radio collars, manufactured by Telonics (Mesa,AZ),were constructed of two layers (black urethane over butyl rubber)and had an inner cir- cumference of 140 cm.Calf collars were similar to those used on adults except that each was lined with foam rubber to permit growth (Ballard and Gardner 1980;Ballard et al.in press).Each radio collar was equipped with a dipole antenna which was par- tially enclosed between the urethane and butyl rubber layers with 22 cm of antenna protruding from the side and back of the collar. The entire unit with visual collar weighed 1,380 g.Twelve radio collars were also equipped with experimental air temperature sen- sors in an effort to relate moose movements to ambient air tem- perature.The latter transmitters were tried on an experimental basis during 1980.Although the pulse widths did in fact vary with air temperatures the resulting termperature conversions were not accurate and thus this portion of the study was terminated. 3 I I I Each moose was ear tagged with a numbered,monel metal tag.Tags were affixed to the middle of the ear.When possible a lower inci sor tooth from each adult animal was extracted for deter- mining age using the methods described by Sergeant and Pimlott (1959). Blood was extracted from the jugular vein into sterile evacuated containers.Upon return from the field,blood was centrifuged to separate sera which were placed into 5 ml plastic vials and im- mediately frozen.Three ml samples were later sent to Pathol- ogists Central Laboratories,Seattle,Washington for blood chem- istry analysis (Technical Autoanalyzer SMA-12)and protein electrophoresis (Franzmann and Arneson 1973). Generally three or four 10 ml vials were filled 1/3 to 1/2 full. One vial contained heparin which provided whole blood for deter- mination of percent hemoglobin (Hb)using an Hb meter (American Optical Corporation,Buffalo,New York),and packed cell volume (PCV)was determined with a micro-hematocrit centrifuge (Reado- crit-Clay-Adams Company,Parsippany,N.J.).Remaining sera were stored for possible future analyses. Physical measurements taken included total length,head length, heart girth,neck circumference and length of hind foot.An at- tempt was made to subjectively estimate the physical condition of each moose using the index criteria developed by Franzmann and Arneson (1973).Each adult cow moose was rectally palpated (Greer and Hawkins 1957)to determine pregnancy.Data from in- di vidual moose were placed on numbered tagging cards and each moose was assigned an individual accession number (Fig.1). Radio signals were received from a 4,000 channel portable pro- grammable scanning receiver manufactured by Telonics (Mesa,AZ). Ambient air temperatures for those moose collars equipped with air temperature sensors were collected on the same flights made to locate moose.Pulse widths of the air temperature sensors were recorded from a portable digital data processor (Telonics TDP-1,Mesa,AZ)which was connected to the receiver .. 4 - -. - -. HOOSE TACGING m:CRD I.aca.d.CIU Age Daee :Ear 'tag No<s)&Color(s} lLaci:to F::eqa.eccy I.E AX ·V/~_Ope:a.tars NUlIIhu:..-_ Colla::COlar:..-_ SU:..-__ y~Bcm1:..-_ Haose No.,_ Heasw:ements:T.I.._lLl"~,R.S._G:1reh_B:ead.Neck_. Excd1:._C=ci._R.L_Temp._.hub.'l"e:=p._ Heal Tag No._ - AD'tle:'Jase:..__i'd.zhc~_ -!emrlcs:'---------------------------- kce.ss:ton No.------- -DAB:rS: No.1 Mh. ~o.2 ~. l!1e : Down MSo-SO ~O-SO ..Up : 1i1t Locatiol1:_ Drug/Dosage:_tlng/Dosage:_ Fi~~re 1.Moose tagging record for moose immobilized in April 1980 in the upper Susitna River Basin above Devil Canyon. 5 Radio-collared moose were relocated from both Piper PA-IS Super ---_.---------- Cub and STOL Cessna 180 fixed-wing aircraft.Tracking methods and equipment used were similar to those described by Mech (1974),except that our right-left switch box allowed us to li sten to both antennas simultaneously.Thi s feature often al- lowed us to detect and locate signals much sooner than if we had just listened to one antenna. An attempt was made to locate each moose a minimum of twice per month.From mid-May throUgh mid-July of 1977,1978 and 1980 each moose which had been diagnosed as pregnant was located at 3-5 day intervals to obtain data on calf parturition and survival (Ballard et ala 1981).When radio-collared moose were found, their locations were recorded on U.S.G.S.maps (scale of 1:63,000)along with information pertaining to sex,age and num- bers of associated moose and other wildlife,activity,and en- vironmental parameters (Fig.2). General habitat type at each moose location was also classified from fixed-wing aircraft.A number of serious problems exist with attempts to classify moose habitat from fixed-wing aircraft. Often the observer is only able to identify overstory vegetation. In many cases the overstory vegetation may have little relevance to why an animal has selected an area because understory vege- tation varies significantly,often in association with density of overstory. Therefore,any habitat classification made from fixed-wing air- craft may not provide a meaningful index of the types preferred by moose.In 1977 an aerial moose habitat classification system based on overstory vegetation was used for describing habitat utilized by radio-collared moose (Table 1).Although the system has many shortcomings it was used for this study because we were most familiar with it,thus insuring collection of data which could be compared with earlier studies.We attempted to develop a system to transform these classifications to Viereck and Dyrness's (1980)system down to their level 3 classifications 6 - - DaC&_________Star:_ Sw:fty CYPIt PUOI:Scoll _ D~al:ion ------ - fnquanCT Cl.S3.)- St:oq Frequeac:y Colla:n'Ulllbc I Sa:aDd.age tocadcn V1a&l.oblll. ifab1.1:a1: t1me I Ace1v1.ty I I I #of yeung I I I G=up sue I I1 I of ~I I .i ~of ~I I ,of·caJ.ves navadgu I noPe I I Aapec1: A=lus I g1nci dir.I ;'itui speed.I Cloud cover 'l:eaqleracura Saav depth I Saov cover I I lea:1rks I I I I I Figure 2.Moose radio-tracking flight record for moose located for Susitna studies from April through December 1980. 7 I I! Table 1.Habitat classifications utilized to classify moose habitat usage from fixed-wing aircraft from 1977 through mid-August 1981 in the Susitna River Basin of south- central Alaska.1 Classification Tall Spruce %(TW) Moderate spruce 2 (M8) Short spruce %(58) Willow (P) Cottonwood/ aspen (C/A) Marsh (M) Alder (E) Spruce/hardwood (UjH) Unidentified hardwood (D) Habitat Description Usually white spruce (Picea glauca),with a height of more than 20 feet.Usually riparian. Both black (Picea mariana)and white spruce,with heights ranging from appoximately 10 to 25-feet.Probably the most common habitat type in the basin. Less than 10 feet in height.Usually approaching a subalpine situation or a very boggy wet area. Mostly upland willow (Salix spp.)species which mayor may not include varying·sparse densities of spruce or hardwoods or shrub birch (Betula glandulosa).May also include riparian willow. Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)or other hardwoods and some spruce usually found in riparian situations.Aspen often on hillsides in isolated clumps. No running water,open water in middle with edges consisting of sedges,grass,willow and birch. Usually found at high elevations approaching subalpine tundra usually in continuous stands. Conifer-deciduous mixture often includes mixture of spruce,paper birch,cottonwood,or balsam poplar.Usually located on well drained slopes often with an alder understory. - - ~, 1 Modified from Ballard and Taylor (1980). 2 Spruce densities also classified as high..medium or low. 8 """ /MIf!'A, - - F'" I ..... I which we thought probably was the most accurate classification obtainable from aircraft.The attempted transformation of aerial habitat classifications to those of Viereck and Dyrness (1980)is presented in Table 1A.Comparison of the two classification sys- tems suggests the two systems are not compatible at the level necessary to make realistic comparisons between moose usage and availabili ty of habitat types.Therefore,the aerial classifi- cations were presented independently.An additional approach has been designed which involved overlaying moose locations on the vegetation maps but that analysis was incomplete. In cooperation with R &:M Consultants and the U.S.Soi I Conser- vation Service,eight snow depth transects were established at key areas to measure snow depths on a monthly basis (Fig.3). Location and descriptions of each marker were provided in Table 2 and Fig.4.November snow depths are provided in Table 3.Un- fortunately bears (U rsus sp.)and porcupines (Erethizon epixanthus)damaged over half of the markers in 1980 and conse- quently,this portion of the study was terminated due to lack of both maintenance funding and manpower. Winter distribution of moose in the project area was determined in March 1980.Linear transects spaced at ~.to ~mile were flown on flat terrain.In mountainous areas,parallel contour inter- vals in combination with a series of circles were flown.All flights were performed with a Piper PA-18 Super Cub at 300 to 500 foot elevations.Numbers,sex and age of moose were plotted on 1:63,000 scale U.S.G.S.maps.Moose were classified as adult or calf based on size and appearance.Sex could not be identified on most adult moose because bulls did not possess antlers. Moose sex and age composition counts have been conducted in the vicinity of Watana impoundment since 1955.Only one such survey has been conducted in the vicinity of the Devil canyon impound- ment..These surveys were conducted by methods described for winter distribution surveys except for the following:Transects are flown closer together and more intensively (narrower search 9 I I,i Table lA.Comparison between aerial habitat classifications and those of Viereck and Dyness (1980)used to classify observations of radio-collared moose in the Nelchina and Susitna River Basins of southcentral Alaska from 1977 through mid-August 1981. Aerial Habitat Classifications Dense tall spruce (white or unknown) Medium density,tall height spruce (white or unknown) Sparsely dense tall spruce (white or unknown) Dense medium height spruce (white,black or unk.) Medium density,medium height spruce (white,black or unk). Sparsely dense,medium height spruce (white,bI. or unk.) Medium density,short spruce (bk.or unk.) Sparsely dense short spruce Riparian willow Upland willow &brush Aspen Equivalent Classification from Viereck and Dyness (1980) open white spruce open white spruce.open mixed forest.closed mixed forest Woodland white spruce,open mixed forest.closed mixed forest open black spruce open black spruce,open mixed forest,closed mixed forest woodland white spruce.open mixed forest,closed mixed forest open black spruce.open mixed forest,closed mixed forest woodland black spruce,open mixed forest,closed mixed forest willow shrub,wet sedge grass tundra willow shrub.sedge shrub tundra mixed low shrub closed balsam popular -, - - ~! Riparian hardwood or unidentified open birch forest,closed birch forest Alder closed tall shrub,open tall shrub,willow shrub Rock/ice rock/ice 10 .... Figure 3.Illustration of aerial snow marker erected •at 33 locations within the.Susitna River study area. '"""'II(2 tt ... AJlIJIJI'. 8ft j 6in t ..,,-.I ~..."..t ......I·....".'"....#.:""'•.:•.,.~".."':, "II ..".,~':.:-;.t""......--.: I ;-"'.:."!.•"",,,,":.\ii t"·.\.'...•"..,.. "..-G ...d····'I.:.::;:i:':":-":~roun·~~.';: •".:.",,.......~""~..".."..","."".il ..:......I ~ 1ft t 2ft I~ 2ft ~ 11 Doran9~ ~BlaCk Table 2.Location and description of 33 snow depth markers erected for Susitna moose studies in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Snow Course Marker Number Number Location Elevation Ft.Aspect Habitat Classification and Description Devil Mt.-island 1250 in Susitna River t-' N 1 1 1 1 2 A B C D A Devil Mountain Devil Mountain Devil Mountain Fog Creek -mouth 2050 2450 3000 1400 N wsw wsw ssw s Medium density tall conifer-deciduous mixture. Medium density mixture of tall spruce (Picea glauca),tall birch (Betula papgrifera),and tall cottonwood (Populus spp.).Ground cover: tall grass,many down trees. Sandy soil. Medium density tall conifer-deciduous mixture. Medium density mixture tall spruce (Picea glauca)with clumps of alders (Alnus spp.) and few tall birch (Betula papgrifera). Ground cover:dwarf birch (Betula spp.) and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.). Muck. Upland tundra. Upland tundra with low blueperries (Vaccinium spp.),dwarf birch (Betula spp.)and mosses (Sphagnum)with a few alder (Alnus spp.) Thickets. Humus. Upland tundra. Upland tundra with low grasses,tall mosses (Sphagnum),lichens. Humus. Medium density tall conifer-deciduous mixture. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) and birch (Betula papyrifera). Ground cover -grasses. Sandy soil with s~all rock substrate. _J I J J )t I I J J J .1 J J J )J ) )])1 1 )1 J ~»J ]j )-) Table 2 (cont.).Location and description ,of 33 snow depth markers erected for Susitna moose studies in the susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Snow Course Marker Number Number Location Elevation Ft.Aspect Habitat Classification and Description Fog Creek-hillside 3000 to northeast f-' VJ 2 2 2 3 3 B C D A B Fog Creek -lower Fog Creek -upper Watana Creek - mouth Watana Creek, lower 2000 2500 1550 1650 W N NW S ssw Medium density tall spruce. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) with understory of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), wild rose (Rosa spp.),scattered willows (Salix spp.). Gravel soil. Medium density tall spruce. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) with low willows (Salix spp.)in clearing. Clay soil.. Medium density medium spruce. Medium density medium spruce (Picea glauca) with abundant willow (Salix spp.). Humus and sandy soil. Medium density tall spruce. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) with blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)dominated understory. Sandy soil. Medium density medium conifer-deciduous mixture.Medium density medium spruce (Picea glauca)and cottonwood (Populus spp.)with willow (Salix spp.)and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)dominated understory. Sandy soil. Table 2 (cont.).Location and description of 33.snow depth markers erected for Susitna moose studies in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Snow Course Marker Number Number Location Elevation Ft.Aspect Habitat Classification and Description 3 C Watana Creek -2100 NW Sparse medium spruce. ridge southeast of Low density medium spruce (Picea spp.) of mouth Delusion with dwarf birch (Betula spp.)dominated Creek understory. Small rock and sandy soil. 3 D Watana Valley -2400 W Medium density medium spruce. eastern lower Medium density medium spruce (Picea spp.) Watana Valley with willow (Salix spp.)dominated' f-l understory.+:-Loam and gravel soil. 3 E Watana Valley -3100 W Upland willow. upper drainage to Low willow (Salix spp.)adjacent to,alder east of Watana Valley (Alnus spp.)thickets. Loam'and gravel soil. 3 F Watana Creek -2100 S Medium density tall spruce. mouth east Fork Medium density tall spruce with mixed low willow (Salix spp.)(Picea glauca), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)and dwarf birch (Betula spp.)understory. Sandy soil. 3 G Big Lake outlet -2500 ESE Medium density tall spruce. stream draining Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca). Big Lake Tall willow (Salix spp .')understory. Rock and sandy soil. )1 1 1 ,J J 1 ,~I J •~J j ~l'J J 1 1 1 J J )I J J J 1 Table 2 (cont.).Location and description of 33 snow depth markers erected for Susitna moose studies in the susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Snow Course Marker Number Number Location Elevation Ft.Aspect Habitat Classification and Description I-' VI 4 4 4 4 5 A B C D A Kosina Creek - lower Kosina Creek - mouth of Gilbert Creek Kosina Creek - above Terrace Creek Kosina Creek - above Terrace Creek -bench to west Jay Creek -mouth 2000 2400 3000 3350 1800 N N E E S Low density tall conifer-deciduous mixture. Low density tall spruce (Picea glauca)and medium birch (Betula papgrifera)with understory of alder.(Alnus spp.),low willow (Salix spp.),shrubby cinquefoil (Pqtentilla fruticosa)and grass. Loam and sandy soil. Medium density medium spruce. Medium density medium spruce (Piceaglauca) with understory of dwarf birch (Betula spp.) and a few blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). Sandy soil. Riparian willow. Low willows (Salix spp.). Rock and fine sand soil. Upland brush. Low willows (Salix spp.),low dwarf birch (Betula spp.)and eguisetum. Loam covering large rocks. ,Medium density tall conifer-deciduous mixture. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca)and birch (Betula papgrifera).' Sandy soil. ~ Table 2 (cont.).Location and description of 33 snow depth markers erected for Susitna moose studies in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska. Snow Course Marker Number Number Location Elevation Ft.Aspect Habitat Classification and Description I I-' 0' 5 5 5 6 6 .. B C D A B Jay Creek -bench to NW Jay Creek,Valley to west of lower Jay Creek Jay Creek -upper portion of valley to west of lower Jay Creek Gaging Station Creek -mouth Gaging station Creek -lower 2500 2850 3200 2050 2500 SSE SSw SSW SSW S Low density tall spruce... Low density tall spruce (Picea spp.)with understory of low willows (Salix spp.)t dwarf birch (Betula spp.),blueberry (Vaccinium spp.),and labrador tea (Ledum palustra).. Loam. Medium density medium spruce. Medium density medium spruce (Picea spp.) with dwarf birch (Betula spp.)understory. Sandy soil. Riparian willow. Medium height willow (Salix spp.)dwarf birch (Betula spp.),shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa). Loam. Medium density tall conifer-deciduous mixture. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) and birch (Betula papyrifera)with grass understory. Muck and rock soil. High density tall spruce. High density tall spruce (Picea glauca) interspersed with medium height willow (Salix spp.). Gravel. ~~]1 _B J .1 J !J J J J ~J J J j J r J -j ~-l 1 ~~)I J Table 2 (cont.).Location and description of 33 snow depth markers erected for susitna moose studies in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral ~laska. Snow Course Marker Number Number Location Elevation Ft.Aspect Habitat Classification and Descripti9n 6 C Gaging Station 3000 W Riparian willow. Creek -East Fork Mixed species of medium height willow (Salix spp.),dwarf birch (Betula spp.). Muck and rock soil.·.. 6 D Gaging station 3500 SW Riparian willow. Creek -upper East Medium height willow (Salix spp.) Fork and grasses. Mud,water and large rocks. Coal Creek -2900 mouth of East Fork f-' " 7 7 A B Coal Creek Coal Lake 2600 s N Medium density tall spruce. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) with willow (Salix spp.)understory·. Sandy soil. Upland brush. Mixture of dwarf birch (Betula spp.) with clumps of alders (Alnus spp.). Grass understory.. Muck. 8 A Goose Creek -2050 mouth SE Medium density medium spruce. Medium density medium spruce (Picea glauca) with low willow (Salix spp.)and dwarf birch (Betula spp.)understory. Wet clay and sandy soil. Table 2 (cont.).Location and description of 33 snow depth markers erected for Susitna.moose studies in the Susitna River Basin of southcentral Alaska.. Snow Course Marker Number Number Locati_on Elevation Ft.Aspect ~ Habitat Classification and Description 8 B Goose Creek - lower 2500 NNE Medium density tall spruce.. Medium density tall spruce (Picea glauca) 'with moss (Sphagnum)and scatterd willow (Salix spp.)understory. Gravel and small rock soil. 8 C Goose Creek -2900 N Riparian willow. mid Low willows (Salix spp.)interspersed with blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)and gra~ses.00 f-'Sandy soil.00 8 D Goose Creek -3400 E Riparian willow. mouth Busch Creek Low willow (Salix spp.)mixed with dwarf birch (Betula spp.)shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa). Sand and rock soil. I I _~J ~-], a I I ~)J)!1 J I ~"1 1 ..0 ,-' .,~-.,..~..~ >,- ,. ".'\ !·.~A~'j'P ~...:.~ '""-..---,"..-...;:.:>---~:'•. .-.\ '·f ..~~....--'',''--r',)\,'-----Y:'-.'.~~, .:.1Ir ..,"" .,t:/{-l"<.:...~.-,...,.."L.~•I.E",.'• ••I\',. ,",-i /::Z,:~",-:y·,\·oJ~.,'(/ "'','.....:J.:.r~~t'.~-.i"":'.ll-:;'~')i ~"'-'(",--l-J..\~ D 1 J J j }J J J ]-) )£A'~"'~:~'l¥\~),••0:~J"~.."_ ,,,"W,..,~~....."~.....'-",,"...+. ..~...~..~';.. .,,,'\..... snow milrkers Susitna project area during I I I ·Table 3 (con~.)."Listing of observed snow depths at 33 snow markers located in the Susi tna Hydro Proje.ct study area on: 9·November 1980~. Course Marker Number Designation General Location Elevation Snow Depth of Marker (Inches)Remarks ..... ..... 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 B C D A B A B C D Gaging station Creek -lower Gaging station Creek -east fork Gaging station Creek -upper east fork Coal Creek -Coal Lk. Coal Creek -mouth east fork Goose Creek -mouth Goose Creek -lower Goose Creek -mid Goose Creek -mouth Busch Creek Square Lake 21 2500 1 3000' '3500 ' 2600' 2900' 2050' 2500' 2900' 3400' 5 6 6 5 4 6 8 12 Missing crossmembers Could not locate Laying on side 11/20 I I I strips),surveys are conducted annually in late October or early -.----- ----- November depending on snow conditions,attempts are made to sur- vey each area with the same pilot and observer to minimize the differences between observers (LeResche and Rausch 1974),and more detailed sex and age composition data are collected. Boundaries of three composition count areas (CA's)used for this study are depicted in Fig.5.CA 6 was surveyed because earlier studies had identified a migratory subpopulation of moose which used portions of the Watana impoundment area during winter (Ballard and Taylor 1980). Moose populations wi thin the study area were censused in early November using quadrat sampling techniques developed by Gasaway (1978),Gasaway et al.(1979),and Gasaway and Dubois (unpub. report).The census was conducted immediately following moose sex and age composition surveys.Due to deteriorating snow con- ditions only CAts 7 and 14 were censused to provide an estimate of the numbers of moose which could potentially be influenced by the Watana impoundment.No census was conducted for areas out- side of CAts 7 and 14;however,remaining potential impact areas were stratified into high,medium and low densi ties. The density classifications were based upon numbers of moose ob- served,continuity of moose habitat,and moose tracks observed during a cursory aerial survey similar to that performed in CA's 7 and 14 before they were censused.This stratification procedure allowed gross estimation of population numbers in un- censused areas by applying densi ty estimates from areas which were censused and similarly stratified. For the purposes of this report,we utilized the home range de- finition provided by LeResche (1974):"the area in which the indi vidual accompli shes its normal acti vi ties during a given period of time."According to this definition"local movements occur within a home range,home ranges may shift seasonally,and individuals may occupy more than one home range in a year."In 22 )J J J !I -.1 1 )1 ---1 ,..-] T.!1.- OCTOBER ..~ FISH AN)WILDLIFE SERVICE u.S.DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR lKlUTlUN11IAL RAILBELT AREA,ALASKA UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN TWO DAM PLAN \ / \-~.('\-~ ) T'_~, \ l· \ <7')--/' r-./ ,J_J .I-=, \ ") I C7.po? L v1 \ )-':> /~.r<._ )-..r "'-S-~~."\ r:J i ,I ('.I <..... ..I l I . (~, \,.r) () UPPER SUSITNA RIVER PROFILE IIlVilllIlLU IlO.,ltG ~~~::_,~.."'1.IMJlI.J7i~...._;rTF . .................------........,.,.,............ Figure 5.Boundaries of moose count areas previously surveyed from 1955 through 1980 in the susitna Hydroelectric Project study area II .TAU[ETNA 0"..~~ ~,q ~.... ~'" .oft·~ ,1-'".l>' N W _co ...1_1 __..L..._ _.,".,___,.__ I I'.II this study home ranges were computed by connecting outer location ----------- sightings of each animal and then computing the area.Unless otherwise stated total home ranges were divided into summer and winter with summer consisting of the months of April#May#June, July#August and September and winter consisting of the remaining 6 months. STUDY AREA The study area included the suspected year-round ranges of sub- populations of moose that may encounter proposed impoundments regularly.Moose sex-age composition counts,winter distribution surveys and preliminary moose movement studies (Ballard and Taylor 1980;Ballard and Gardner 1980)were used to delineate the area.The boundaries of this area (Fig.6)are as follows:The Denali Highway on the north to its confluence with the Maclaren River on the east,the Maclaren River to its confluence with the first unnamed creek in R4E,T13N (Gulkana Quad)upstream to Monsoon Lake,then a straight line to Tyone Village continuing up Lake Louise to the Lake Louise Road to its intersection with the Glenn Highway,on the south the Glenn Highway to the Little Nelchina River,then upstream to the peak of the Talkeetna Mountains,on the west the upper elevations of the Talkeetna Mountains to the confluence of the upper north and south forks of the Talkeetna River,then northwest to the mouth of Portage Creek,then upstream of Portage Creek to its headwaters to the headwaters of Brushkana Creek to its confluence with the Denali Highway. Vegetation,topography and general climate of the area were de- scribed by Skoog (1968),Bishop and Rausch (1974),Ballard and Taylor (1980),and Ballard (1981).Also vegetation studies con- ducted under Subtask 7.12 provide a thorough description of vege- tation in the impoundment areas. 24 - '1 ],---_1 ._-~--}-1 I J 1 j Figure 6.Boundaries of the study area where potential impacts of susitna River Hydroelectric development were studied during 1999. N Vi I I I RESULTS AND DISCUSSION From 11 through 23 April 1980 40 adult moose (37 females and 3 males)were captured and radio-collared in the Susi tna moose study area.Three of these moose had been previously radio-col- lared from previous studies and were recaptured.A summary of tagging location,reproductive status,age and physical measure- ments of the 1980 captured moose are presented in Table 4.Col- laring locations are visually depicted in Fig.7.Collaring lo- cations for all moose captured from October 1976 through 1981 which·were used for evaluation of moose movements are depicted in Fig.8. From 7 through 9 March and May 1981 an additional 34 moose (18 adul ts and 16 calves)were captured and radio-collared in the Susi tna study area in an effort to provide additional movement information in areas not adequately sampled in 1980.Also an attempt was made to capture and radio-collar the calves of radio-collared adults to begin gathering data on di spersal of subadul t moose from the study area.A summary of tagging sta- tistics for these moose is presented in Table 5. Mean induction time for adult moose captured in spring 1980 was 16.4 minutes (S.D.=10.5)ranging from 5 to 52 minutes.In 1981,the average induction times were less (11.8 minutes, S.D.=2.83)due to the slightly larger dosages of etorphine.In- duction times for 10 month old calves averaged 9.9 minutes (S.D.=4.3).Longer induction times were due to either the moose not responding to the first dart and/or the dart malfunctioned. In such cases,a second injection of from 2 to 4 ee's etorphine was adrnini stered. Two cow moose (#'s 620 and 646)were known to have died in 1980, apparently as a result of capture activities resulting in a 5 percent mortality rate for 1980.No capture related mortalities occurred in 1981.The 1980 mortality rate is comparable with mortality rates reported in other Alaska moose studies where 00-99 26 - -~1 --J '---'j -1 --J J i J J 'fable 4.'Location,age,reproductive stlltull,physical measurements,and statistics associated with capture and handling of 40 adult moose in the Susitna River Study Area from 11 through 23 April 1980. ..- Visual Measurements Inchea Drug Radio Collar·Itetal (6/1/80)Diagnosed (cm )Body Reartion Hoose Date of .Collar Color Ear Tag No.Age w/ealf Pregnant Total Hind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug Time Drug Number Sex Capture Location Number and No.L.R.'(Yra.)Yes/No Yes/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.Index Dosage (tUn.)Placement 120617 ~04/11/80 3.25 mi east 6406 Black 15877 15876 Yes-l Yes 124.5 35.0 78.0 30.0 36.0 6 1t-99:9cc 8 min Left leg of mouth of >~ATS 3162 889 1981 762 914 Rompun:lcc Tsusena Creek N.side of Suaitna R. 120618 l 04/11/80 6 mi east of 6402 Black 15836 15837 13 Yes-l No 113.0 32.0 64.0 32.0 28.0 , 9 M-99:9cc N mouth Watana *ATS'2870 813 1625 813 711 Rompun:lcc -...j Ck.-N.side of Sus Una River 120619 ,F'04/11/80 1.25 mi NW of 6399 Black 15834 15835 9 Yes-l No 109.8 29.8 82.0 27.5 34.8 8 1t-99:9cc 11 min Left rump mouth Deadman *ATS 2787 756 2083 699 883 Rompun:lcc Creek.N.side Susitna River. 120620 F'04111/80 0.5 roi N of 6404 Black 16030 16029 12 Yes-2 Yes 118.5 31.1 76.0 30.8 32.5 -M-99:9cc 11 min Top back Gauging Station *ATS 3010 791 1931 781 825 Rompun:lcc N side of SusHna IUver 120621 r '04/11/80 2.75 roi 'g of 6400 Black 15832 15833 11 No Yes 117.0 -86.0 33.0 38.0 Excelnt H-99:14cc 32 min Top back mouth Tsusena *ATS 2972 2184 838 965 Rompun:lee Creek,N.side SusHna River 120622 ·F 04/11/80 0.8 roi NW of 6407 Black none none 12 Yes-l Yes 116.0 30.5 74.0 33.0 33.0 -M-99:9cc 12 min Left rump roouth Deadman *ATS 2946 775 1880 838 838 Rompun:lcc Creek N.side Susitna River 120623 F 04/11/80 2.2 roi HE of 6405 Yellow 16252 16253 8 ¥es-]Yea 112.0 34.0 68.0 29.0 35.0 7 H-99:9cc moutb of Watana *ATS 40 2844 863 1727 737 889 Rompun:lcc Creek,N side of Susitna River Table 4 (cont.).Location,age,reproductive status,physical measurements,snd statistics associated with capture and handliog of 40 adult moose in the Susitoa River Study Area from 11 through 23 April 1980. Visual Heasurements Inches Drug nadio Collar Hetal (6/1/80)Diagnosed (cm )Body Reaction Hoose Date of Collar Color Ear Tag No.Age w/Calf Pregnant Total Hind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug Time Drug Number Sex .Capture Location Number and No.L.R.(Yrs.)Yes/No Yes/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.Index Dosage (Hin.)Placement - 120624 F 04/13/80 2.4 ..i E of 6398 Black 16922 16923 10 No Yes 114.8 30.9 ~29.8 32.5 6 H-99:9cc 11 min Left rump mouth of E fork *ATS 2914 785 -756 825 Rompun:lcc Watana Creek N.side of Susitna R. 120625 F 04/.13/80 2.3 mi E of 6409 Black 16921 16920 13 No No 108.0 -78.0 29.0 31.0 6 H-99:9cc 20 min Left rump mouth E Fork *ATS 2743 -1981 737 787 Rompun:lcc of Watana Ck. N.side of Sus Una River 120626 "04/13/80 Fog Creek 6401 Black 15843 15842 5 --112.1 31.5 78.0 -30.9 8 H-99:9cc -Top rump 2.5 !ai 5E of *ATS (2848)(800)(1981)-785 ROlDpun:lcc southeastern· most Fog Lake S side of Susitna River. 120627 11 ·04/13/80 Fog Creek 6408 Black 16916 16917 4 --115.0 30.8 79.0 30.5 35.0 6.5 H-99:9cc 10 lIlin Top l'ump 2.9 mi SE of *ATS 2921 781 2006 775 889 Rompun:lcc southeastern- most Fog Lake S side of Susitna River 120628 F 04i13/80 Fog Creek 6403 Black 15827 15828 12 No Yes - - 84.0 32.0 33.0 -H-99:9cc 7 min Left l'ump 2.6 mi 5E of *ATS 2133 813 838 Rompun:lcc southeastern- wost Fog Lake S.side of Susitna River 120629 I 04/18/80 3.3 mi 5 of 6434 Orange 16907 16906 3 No No-1 109.0 35.0 68.0 29.0 26.0 5 H-99:9cc 16 min Left rump Stephan Lake 36 2768 889 1727 737 660 Rompun:lcc S.side of Susitna River J J I ,J t 1 a J J I J j J ),) j 1 I -1 J J 1 J j ]1 1 Table 4 (cont.).Location.age.reproductive status,physical measurements,and statistics associated with capture and handling of 40 adult moose in the Susitna River Study Area from II through 23 April 1980. Visual Measurements Inches Drug Radio Collar Hetal (6/1/80)Diagnosed (cm )Body Reaction Moose Date of Collar Color Ear Tag No.Age v/Calf Pregnant Total Rind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug Time Drug Number Sex Capture Location Number and No.L.R.(Yrs.)Yes/No Yes/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.IndeK Dosage (Hin.)Placement 120630 F 04/18/80 2.8 mi NW of 6438 Orange 16108 16109 6 No No 115.0 35.5 84.0 31.0 39.0 8 H~99:9cc II min Top back mouth of 40 2921 902 2133 787 991 Rompun:Icc Tsusena Creek N.side of Susitn.R. 120631 F '0~/l8/80 Devil Hountain 6435 Orange 16157 16158 10 No No 116.0 35.0 89.0 34.0 35.5 8 tI-99:9cc 14 min Left hind 2.8 mi SSW of 37 2946 889 2260 863 902 Rompun:Icc leg VABH Devil N.side of Susitna River 120632F 04/18/80 Devil Hountain 6432 Orange 16115 16114 11 Yes~1 Yes 114.0 32.0 80.0 30.0 32.0 8 M~99:9cc 18 Left rump 2.7 mi SSW of 34 2895 813 2032 762 813 Rl?JDPun:Icc VAH"Devil N side of Sulitoa River. 120633 ,.,04/18/80 Devil Creek 6431 Orange 16155 16156 2 No No 89.0 30.0 66.0 26.5 34.0 7 tI-99:9cc 9 min Left leg 6.4 mi N of 33 2260 762 1677 673 863 Rompun:lcc VABM Devil N side of Susitna River 120634 F 04/18/80 3.3 mi SSW of 6436 Orange 16912 16913 12 No Yes 115.0 30.6 82.0 29.8 30.1 7 tl-99:9cc 12 min Right rump Stephan Lake 38 2921 778 2083 756 765 ROlDpun:lcc S.side of Susitna River 120635 F ·~4/1?/80 2.2 mi E of 6433 Orange 16162 16161 ~Yes~1 Yes-?120.0 32.0 78.0 31.5 33.0 8.5 tl-99:9cc 9 min mouth of 35 3048 813 1981 800 838 Rompun:lcc Deadman Creek N.side of Susitna River Tabte 4 (cont.).Location,age,reproductive status,pbysical measurements,and statistics associated with capture and bandling of 40 adult moose in the Susitna River Study ~rea from 11 tbrough 23 April 1980. ... Visual Measurements Inches Drug Radio Collar Metal (6/1/80)Diagnosed (cm )Body Reaction Moose Dale of Collar Color Ear TaS Ho.Age w/Calf Pregnant Total Hind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug Time Drug Number Sex Capture Location Number and No.L.R.(Yra.)Yes/No Yes/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.Index Dosage (Hin.)Placement - 120636 F 04/19/80 1.0 ali SSW of 6448 Orange 16165 16166 4 No No 107.0 31.5 68.0 28.0 31.5 7 H-99:9cc 7 min Left rump mouth of 50 2717 800 1727 711 800 Rompun:lcc Terrace Creek S.side of Susitna R. 120637 F ·04/19/80 2 mi NNW of 6437 Orange 16170 16169 -No Yes 110.3 29.9 75.2 31.5 ~7 H-99:9cc 8 min Left aide mouth of 39 2800 760 1910 800 Rompun:lcc l'errace Creek S.aide of Susitna River 120638 ~04/19/80 1 mi SSW of 6446 Orange 16164 16163 16 est.No No 107.0 33.0 80.0 30.8 -6 H-99:gee 7 Left rump mouth of 48 2717 838 2032 781 Rompun:lce Terrace Creek S side of Susitna River. 120639 F 04/19/80 1.3 mi E of 6444 Orange None None 4 No Yes 115.0 30.8 80.0 29.8 31.5 6.5 H-99:llce 12 min Rump Wataoa Lake 46 2921 781 2032 756 800 Rompun:lcc S side of Susitns River 120640.F 04/19/80 1.9 mi N of 6440 Orange 16160 16159 5 Yes-l Yes 110.5 92.0 28.3 34.8 6 H-99:16 min Right rump mouth of 42 2807 2337 718 .883 Rompun:lee Top rump Terrace Creek S.side of Susitna River 120641.F 04/20/80 1.8 mi Sf;of 6442 Orange 15942 15943 12 No Yes 114.2 31.5 79.5 29.3 33.9 7 H-99;gec 8 min Left leg Plouth of 44 2900 800 2020 745 860 ROlDpun:lee Wataoa C:ceek S.side of Susilna River ,J J )J I J J .J J )~.]J )J J!J J I i 1 1 1 .~1 .~I ]1 I Table 4 (cont.).Location,age,reproductive ~tatus,physical .easure.ents,and statistics associated with captur~and handling of 40 adult uoose in the Susitna River Study.Area from 11 through 23 April 1980. Visual Heasurements Inches Drug Radio Collar He tal (6/1/80)Diagnosed (em )Body Reaction Huose Date of Collar Color Ear Tag No.Age w/Calf Pregnant Total Hind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug Time Drug Nu.ber Sex Capture Location Nu.ber and No.L.R.(Yrs.)Yes/No Yea/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.Index Dosage (Hin.)Placement ~- 120642 H·04/20/80 1.8 lIIi SE of 6445 Orange 15915 16903 4 .--109.5 35.0 70.0 29.0 33.5 ~"-99:17cc 34 min Left leg mouth of Watana 47 2781 889 1778 787 851 ROlllpun:lcc Left rump Creek Left side S.side of Susitna River 120643 F 04/20/80 1.1 lIIi WSW of 6447 Orange 16918 16919 .No Yes 115.0 31.5 79.0 31.0 26.8 6 .-Left rump(2x) southeastern-49 2921 800 2006 187 680 Right rUlDp most Fog Lake S.s\de of Susitna River 120444 F 04/20/80 1.1 mi WSW of 6452 Orange 15947 15946 -No No 111.0 35.0 72.0 28.0 30.0 6 18 min Left side southeastern-54 2819 889 1829 711 762 Back mOlit Fog Lake S.side of Susitoa R. 120645 F 04/20/80 1.7 mi N of 6451 Orange 15945 15944 10 No Yes 124.0 29.8 84.0 30.3 32.0 6 "-99:lIce 25 min Left hip mouth of Watana 53 3149 756 2133 770 813 ROQlpun:lcc Creek N.side of Susitna River 120644 F 04/20/80 1.7 mi N of 6441 Orange 16914 16915 11 No Yes 117.3 30.5 86.0 31.0 34.8 6.5 H-99:9cc 5 TaU mouth of Watana 43 2978 775 2184 787 883 ROQIpun:1cc Creek,N side of Susitoa River. 120647 F 0~/22/80 0.4 lIIi S of 6443 Orange 16924 16925 13 No Yes -29.5 85.9 31.2 -8 -36 min Left rump mouth of creek 45 750 2180 792 draining easterlt from Clarence Lake area S side of Susitna River Table 4 (COIlt.·).Locatioll,age,reproductive status,physical measurements,and statistics associated·with capture and handling of 40 adult moose in the 5usitna River Study Area from 11 through 23 April 1980 •. Visual Heasurements Inches Drug Radio Collar Hetal (6/1/80)Diagnosed (Col )Body Reaction Hoose .Dilte of Collar Color Ear Tag No.Age w/Call Pregnant.Tot.al lIind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug Time Drug Number S~x Capture Location Number and No.L.R.(Yrs.)Yes/No Yes/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.Index Dosage (Hin.)Placement 120648 F 0(,/22/80 0.8 mi N of 6462 Yellow 15940 15941 4 No No 116.4 31.5 15.2 30.3 38.2 6 H-99:15cc 52 min Left back moutb of Jay 65 2956 800 1910 110 910 Rompun:Icc 1 Creek N.side of Suldtna River 120649 F ,,04/22/80 0.5 mi S of 6463 Yellow 16112 16111 -No Yes 115.8 31.9 82.1 30.1 33.5 5 H-99:9cc 25 Left rump mouth of creek 66 2940 810 2100 165 850 Rompun:lcc flowing easterly out of Clarence Lake arell 5.side of Susitna River 120650 F 04/22/80 0.9 IIi N of 6467 Yellow 15821 15826 4 No Yes 119.3 30.8 82.0 21.8 31.9 5 H-99:9cc 14 min Left rump mouth of Jay 10 3030 783 2083 105 810 Rompun:lee Creek N.side of Susitna R. 120651 F 04/22/80 2.0 mi WNW of 6449 Orange 15954 15956 15 est.No No 112.6 32.3 15.6 30.5 32.5 5 H-99:9cc 15 min Left rump mouth of Kosina 51 2860 820 1920 115 825 Rompun:lcc Creek N.side of "SusHna River 120652 F 04/.23/80 Gauging Station 6464 Yellow 16152 16151 13 No Yes 115.8 -85.1 31.5 35.0 6 H-99:9cc 11 Left rump l.8 mi BE of 67 2940 2160 800 890 Rompun:Icc VABH Windus N aide of..",Susitna River ..:- J I .')J cl 1 I J J •J )I J .J )~J :1 1 -1 1 1 -j ] T.bIe 4 (cont.•.)..Location.age.reproductive status.physical measurements.and statistics associated with capture and bandling of 40 adult lIoose in the Susitna River Study ~rea from 11 tbrough23 Ap~il 1980. Moose .Date of Numbe~Sex Capture Location Visual Radio Collar Collar Color Humber and No. Hetal Ear Tag No. L.R. Measurements Inches (6/1/80)Diaanosed (em)Body Age w/Calf Pregnant Total Hind Heart Head Neck Condo Drug (Yrs.)Yes/No Yes/No Length Foot Girth Length Circum.Index Dosage Drug Reaction Time Drug (Hin.)Placement 120653 F b4/23/80 2.5 mi SSE ,'f 6450 Orange 16105 16104 13 No Yes'l ............ ...7 H"'99:12cc 35 Left rump(2x) mouth of creek 52 Rompun:lcc flowing easterly out of Clarence Lake area S side of Susitna River 120654 F "4/23/80 2.5 IIi SSE of 6400 Black 16841 16842 9 No No 111.5 31.3 ...29.0 33.5 7 H-99:9cc 12 Left side mouth of creek 2832 794 ...737 851 Rompun:lcc flowing easterly out of Clarence Lake area S.side of Susitna River 120655 F 04/23/80 Gauging Station 6404 Black 16652 16653 16 .,No 112.0 32.0 83.0 28.8 33.3 5 H-99:9cc 7 min Left rump 1.8 mi SE of 2845 813 2108 730 845 Rompun:lcc VABH Windus N.side of. Susitoa R. 120656 r.·.·~4/23/80 Gauging Station 6465 Yellow 16816 168.15 13 No Yes 116.3 31.3 ...28.0 ...6 M-99:12cc 27 min Left rump(2x) 1.8 IIi SE of 68 2953 794 711 Rompun:lcc VABH Windus N.side of Susitna River *ATS =·Air·t~mp'Sensing . .. )J -J 1 i 1 B ))-'~J ----1 --1 -]j 1 \ \I , \,r' \1 / r \ ( ( ""\ l) \.~ " (~J ~.14:t+~ + -ttI1-../{/,...--,_.--" (r---1 (/~J ---~''..~..:::J''{ 'l\\(r.~,;:J .;1' ft~7"j"~)./'~' +·t J~~- .!.+ +I ';I +\~'iF +\,.---"'-------·-'--~-/t ~,--------',"'--'-:;'-'i)/..-"..r---/"""1~'lf--'-')Af~;;::~~i//_/:~\,L;::>~<,-:;;;~<__r G 'Ill ,\'-'-_, , \\ --'''-, \" -"" >< ".l;\...~f j; I I /,,~_/-~,"'",.......-----....../~,,:>".-r ~+/ "."./,~/''~~~,F f';/~ '-........--..k!;·,,~*~-~,~.,""-,...... ",.-1+ f',2tt~,''I'*;t;~ .:ti .\.-.._,\_!,':*~I-q.,_,./}/l\l .'-··'''-''~''''''~_'.J_../r'\(i ,r·::f:-·'I-~_,___, \p./,-'\ \,\,.\*'~'"'}~~ ~X r-~ I ~, 1 i'!A.!..'.:...~_~.•_,)~,~,.~-""~.........~..---------~''-~~.,,-'.."-...,,"::::-U,''---,,,.,) ,L"t"('_Jr Vol Ln Figure 8.Col'arlng location.of calf (~8 mo.)and adult moose captured for moyement and mortality studies from October 1878 through 1981 In the Nelchlna and upper 8usltna RIYer Basins of· Southeentral Alaska.hcale:1 cm=12800 meters) Table 5.Location.age.reproductive status.physical measurements and statistica associated with the capture and handling of adult and calf moose in the Susitna Hydroelectric Project Study Area during spring.1981. -----Place- ment Visual Age Induc- Radio Collar Metal 6/1/81 ,ob-Tot.Hind Hean Head Neck tion Acc.,Date of Collar Color Ear Tag yrs.w/calf preg-served lengtb foot girtb length circum.Dru8 tiwe 120-Sex Capture Location ,&,R.L.(mos.)&,nsnt calves (cm)(cw)(cm)(CIA)(cm)Condo Dosage (win.) 662 F 5-9-81 N.of Susitna R.,8583 Black 8(96)YO)Y 0 l1wg M99 opposite Fog Crk 251 19 198 61 200mg Rowpun 10 663 F 5-9-81 8031 White 8(96)w/yrlg(1)Y 0 11lDg M99 L.shldr. 100 mg Rompun 1 666 F 3-5-81 Delusion Crk 6416 Yellow 83 9(106)Y(i)Y 1 6 9mg+2.5m&M99 L.Rr. 294 103 211 100 IDg Rowpun 19 661 M 3-5-81 Delusion Crk 6455 Yellow 81 16562 2(22)9mg M99 264 18 158)62 15 100m&Rompun 13 668 F 3-5-81 Watana Crk 6496 Yellow 13 16564 8(94)N Y 0 9mg M99 291 85 206 19 100mg Rompun 13 669 F 3-5-81 2 miles E.of 1154 Black 16435 0(10)5mg+2.5 IDg M99 Watana Crk 206 69 154 17 w 610 M 3-5-81 lIelusion Crk 1155 Black 16905 0(10)5mg M99 L.hip 0\229 13 113 53 69 11 611 F 3-5-81 Delusion Crk 6454 Yellow 86 16826 4(46)YO)Y 0 9mg M99 211 86 183 10 100mg Rompun 9 612 M 3-1-81 E.of 1158 Black 0(10)6 5mg M99 L.rump Watana Crk 9 613 F 3-1-81 E.bank of 6495 Orange 12 .Adult Y(i)10mg+5mg M99 L.shldr.&back Watana Crk 300 83 206 18 82 1 13 614 M 3-1-81 Il.bank of 1150 Black 0(10)5mg M99 R.rump Watana Crk 230 14 175 60 8 615 M 3-1-81 On Mountain E.1151 Black 16315 0(10)5mg M99 of Watana Crk 218 15 168 55 64 5 9 616 H 3-1-81 1141 Black 16561 0(10)5w&M99 ,L.back 6 611 M 3-1-81 Upper Kosina Crk 1145 Black 0(10)5mg M99 lDid-back 203 13 618 F 3-1-81 opposite Kosina 1146 Black 0(10)4.5 5IBg M99 L.rump Crk 6 619 F 3-1-111 E.of Fog L 1144 Black 0(10)511I&M99 Loin 9 680 F 3-8-1H Tsusena Crk 1142 Black 16612 2(22)N 0 10wg M99 Ruwp 15 ./ J J ,I .J ...........1 B J I J .J I J I J .I J J .t )']J 1 J I 1 1 )]I 1 j ] Table 5.(cont.d). Ace.'Date of 120-Sex Capture Location Visual Radio Collar Collar Color,&, Ketal Ear Taa R.L. Age 6/1/81 yra. (moa.) ,ob- w/calf prea-aerved &,nant calves Tot.Hind lenatb foot (em)(em) Heart Sirth (em)' Head Neck lensth circum.Drus (em)(em)Condo Dosage Place- ment Induc- tion time (min.) 690 M 3-9-61 Kosina Crk 669 F 3-9-81 Watana L 693 V 3-9,81 Kosina Crk 694 V 3-8-81 Tsusena Crk 10 R.rump 5 L.rump 6 L.rump 22 L.rump 13 Rump 11 L.rump 11.5 L.side 9 Top rump 10 R.rump 10 5mg M99 3+2.5+2.5mS M99 9mg+5mg M99 100mg Rompun 1010&M99 200mg Rompun 12.5mg M99 5mS M99 5+2.5mg M99 1010&M99 2.5mg,Rompun Sma M99 11108 M99 100mg Rompun 10 5 lOmg M99 7.5 200mg Rompun 10 5+10mg M99 L.flank 6 2.5108 Rompun L.hip 12 5ma Rompun Flank 7 2.5+501&M99 L.neck &rump 20 5 7 71 81 84 80 60 81 64 89 90 64 7J 71 77 75 76 76 54 77 55 71 53 7J 78 56 54 58 166 160 189 220 160 200 163 152 196 189 240 72' 71 80 75 78 76 70 70 67 79 68 64 65 64 293 228 293 208 307 294 209 224 266 199 304 219 284 223 295 290 o o o o o o Y Y Y N 0(10) Adult w/yrlg(l)N 0(10)w/cow Adult Y 9(106)Y(l) 16646 6(94)Y(l) 16690 0(10) 0(10) 4(46)N Adult Y(1) 0(10) 0(10) 15641 9(106)N Y 16515 9(106)Y(l)Y 6447 0(10) 16113 13(154)w/yrla(l)Y 16906 Adult 165737143Black 7156 Black 7149 Black 7153 Black 7148 Black 7147 Black 7157 Black 6457 Black 16991 6456 Yellow 89 16174 6501 Yellow 78 6431 Yellow 49 6500 Yellow 77 6499 Yellow 76 6426 Yellow 67 16568 6496 Yellow 75 16626 6497 Yellow 74 6461 Yellow 64 Watana Crk Kosina Crk Warren Crk HE of Watana L Watana L Jay Crk Kosina Crk Gardner Crk 3-9-61 3-9-61 3-6-81 3-6-61 3-9-81 3-9-61 3-9-81 3-9-61 v v i' i' i' i' i' M b87 666 685 688 661 691 F 3-9-81 NE of Watana L 692 i'3-9-81 Watana Crk 695 i'5-7-81 NW of Vog Lake 696 H 5-7-81 NW of i'og Lake 697 F 5-7-81 SW of Warren Crk 664 682 663 W "-J I I; has been employed (Gasaway et ala 1979i Smith and Franzmann 1979) -~---.-_.---- and continues to be considerably less than that obtained from use of succinylcholine chloride (Didrickson et ala 1977;Ballard and Taylor 1980)and does not influence subsequent calf survival as suspected for the latter drug (Ballard and Tobey 1981). Average age of cow moose tagged in spring 1980 was 9.4 years (S.D.=3.8)while the three bulls averaged 4.3 years (S.D.=O.6). The 12 adult cow moose captured in 1981 averaged 7.6 (S.D.=2.9). Mean ages of cow moose tagged in the upper Susitna River Basin in 1976 and 1977 (Ballard and Taylor 1980)were compared with those captured in 1980 and were found to be significantly (t test, P<0.05)younger.The 1976 and 1977 ages were adjusted upward to correspond with the 1980 tagging period,making it possible to examine the same cohorts during both periods.Cow moose in 1976 averaged 7.5 years (S.D.=3.4)of age while those in 1977 averaged 7.0 years (S.D.=3.8).In 1976-77 cow moose 10 years of age or older represented 25 percent of the sample;however,in 1980 they represented 62 percent of the sample.In 1976 and 1977 moose from 2 to 4 years of age comprised 21 and 40 percent,respec- tively,of the captured moose while in 1980 they comprised 21 percent.Differences between the age structures was most evident for moose 5 to 9 years of age.These findings indicate that the age structure of the adult cow segment has become older since 1976-77.Ai though reasons for this shift are uncertain,preda- tion and mortality due to the severe winter of 1978-79 appear likely.The age structure of adult cow moose captured in 1981 were not compared with other tagging years because of small sample size (n=12). The reported age structure of other Alaskan moose populations was younger.In the Gakona,Gulkana,and Chistochina drainages of Game Management Unit 13,Van Ballenberghe (1978)reported that 49 percent of his tagged moose were 10 years old or older.Bailey 38 .... """ ..... .,..,. ..... - et al.(1978)reported that on the Kenai Peninsula cow moose 10 years old or older cornprised28-34 percent of the sampled moose, while in the Peter's Hills region west of Talkeetna they com- prised 38 percent of the sample,Didrickson and Taylor (1978). Moose from 6 to 11 years of age (38%of the 1980 Susitna sample) are the most productive members of the population,producing more twin calves than moose of other age classes (Markgren 1969);how- ever,even older moose continue to regularly produce calves until death. Of the 37 cow moose captured and palpated in April 1980,23 (62%) were determined to be pregnant by rectal palpation,while in 1981 11 of 14 (79%)were determined pregnant.However,observations of the radio-collared cows following capture in 1980 from fixed- wing aircraft revealed that four cows which had been diagnosed as not pregnant subsequently had calves.Therefore,the actual pregnancy rate was at least 73 percent and may have been higher . Cows captured in 1981 were not monitored frequently enough during calving to determine the accuracy of pregnancy diagnoses.Rea- sons for.the false diagnoses in 1980 and perhaps in 1981 may be attributed to the inexperience of some of the field staff.Of the eight participating individuals in 1980,only two could be· considered experienced and current (~10 moose wi thin past 2 years).Given these problems the 1980 and 1981 pregnancy rates may have been comparable to the 88 percent observed in 1977 which was comparable.wi th the rates determined elsewhere in Alaska (Ballard and Taylor 1980).Low pregnancy rates could also result from at least two other factors:low bull:cow·ratios and nutri- tional stress.It has been speculated that low bull:cow ratios could influence conception rates (McIlroy 1974;Bishop and Rausch 1974;Bailey et al.1978 and others).During 1979 bull:cow ratio reached a record low of 8.8 and thus this could have been a fac- tor.However,low bull:cow ratios have occurred elsewhere and exi sting data suggest normal pregnancy rates. Another, trition. more plausible,reason for low pregnancy rates is nu- Poor nutritional condition may have caused lower preg- 39 I I', nancy rates for several years on the Kenai Peninsula (Franzmann --------- pers.comm.).Examination of blood data from Susi tna moose in- dicate that the 1980 captured moose were more nutritionally stressed than those sampled from the same area in earlier years (Ballard and Taylor 1980). Condition Assessment Criteria developed by Franzmann and LeResche (1978)were utilized to assess the physical status of Susitna River moose.Analyses performed on moose tagged in 1975 and 1977 had suggested that Susi tna moose were in good physical condition relative to other Alaskan moose populations (Ballard and Taylor 1980).However, adult moose examined in spring 1979 had the lowest values of cer- tain blood parameters of any moose examined in Unit 13 and were judged to be nutritionally stressed due to winter severity (op. ci t.) . Blood values for 34 individual moose sampled in April 1980 and 13 adults sampled in 1981 are presented in Tables 6A,6B and 7.In previous studies,blood parameters suggested that moose from the Devils Mountain area may have been in poorer physical condition than those examined elsewhere in the Basin.Small sample sizes, however,prevented any firm conclusions.To examine this hypo- thesis further,blood samples from moose captured in 1980 were divided into groups above and below the proposed Watana dam (Tables 6A and 6B).Five blood parameters which Franzmann and LeResche (1978)believed were the most useful for assessing con- dition were compared.They were as follows:Packed cell volume (PCV),hemoglobin (Hb),calcium (Ca),phosphorus (P)and total protein (TP).No significant differences (t test,P>O.Ol)were detected for these five parameters,suggesting that moose above proposed Watana reservoir exhibited similar trends of condi tion and below the blood values from adult cow moose captured in 1980 and 1981 were compared with those collected previously in GMU 13 and elsewhere in Alaska (Table 8).Samples in Table 8 are listed in order of high to low PCV values which Franzmann and LeResche 40 - - - ~i "... ]J ).l J ))J ]J )))J Table 6A.Blood values from adult moose radio-collared downstream from Watana dam site,April 1980. ilemo-Packed Phos-Uric Choles-Bili-Alk. Accession globin cell Calcium phorus Glucose BUN Acid terol rubin Phos.L.n.H.S.G.O.T. Number g!100ml vol.%mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mu/100ml mn/100ml -- 120617 .14.0 35.5 10.3 4.9 96.0 8.0 0.3 53.0 0.1 36.0 213.0 67.0 120619'.19.3 43.0 10:0 5.8 101.0 5.0 0.5 54.0 0.1 49.0 223.0 73.0 120622 20.0+39.5 9.5 6.1 122.0 6.0 0.3 70.0 0.1 53.0 167.0 51.0 120628 20.0+48.8 10.5 6.0 154.0 3.0 0.4 66.0 0.2 62.0 218.0 51.0 120629 .15.0 43.0 11.0 4.6 151.0 4.0 0.2 78.0 0.1 38.0 169.0 56.0 120630 "18.5 44.5 10.1 5.9 120.0 6.0 0.4 57.0 0.2 57.0 223.0 56.0 120631 ·i8.0 42.0 10.1 6.2 177 .0 6.0 0.2 54.0 0.2 27.0 241.0 70.0 120632.'17.0 41.0 10.0 5.7 118.0 4.0 0.4 76.0 0.1 50.0 .219.0 62.0 .I 120633 ,18.0 38.0 9.9 7.1 173.0 7.0 0.3 39.0 0.1 89.0 205.0 54.0 I12063418.5 44.0 120635 10.7 4.3 122.0 B.O 0.4 72.0 0.2 59.0 213.0 54.0 120643 20.0+54.0 120644 ,.17.5 41.0 10.0 7.0 115.0 7.0 0.6 50.0 0.1 75.0 252.0 79.0 !!'.J2 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 x 17.98 42.86 10.19 5.78 131.73 5.82 0.36 60.82 0.14 54.09 213.00 61.18 S.D.1.92 4.86 0.41 0.89 27.63 1.66 0.12 12.34 0.05 17.65 25.85 9.66 • Table 6A (cont.).Blood values from adult female moose radio-collared downstream from Watana dam site,April 1980. Total (Electro- .Protein Albumin phoresis) Accession SMAK test SMAK test Albumin Albumin Globulin Alpha 1 Alpha 2·Beta Gamma Number.g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml A/G Ratio -- 120617 6.3 3.6 4.7 1.6 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.8 2.9 120619 6.8 3.8 5.1 1.7 0.5 -0.4 0.9 3.0 120622 7.7 3.3 4.2 3.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 1.9 1.2 120628 .'6.9 3.9 5.0 1.9 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.9 2.6 120629 .7.7 3.4 4.7 3.0 0.3 0.5 1.9 0.5 1.5 120630.6.9 4.0 5.2 1.7 0.6 -0.4 0.8 3.0 120631 6.9 4.0 5.0 1.9 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.8 2.7 120632'7.1 3.8 4.8 2.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 1.1 2.1 120633 5.9 3.6 4.4 1.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 3.0 1Z0634 120635."6.8 4.0 5.2 1.6 -0.6 0.3 0.7 3.2 120643 120644'7.1 3.9 5.1 2.0 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.1 2.5 • n <11 11 11 11 10 9 11 11 11 .X 6.92 3.75 4.85 2.06 0.36 0.43 0.54 0.91 2.52 S.D."0.52 0.25 0.33 0.64 0.13 0.11 0.46 0.38 0.66 _I J J J J l J J J 1 I )I J t D , 1 ~J -J -)i J J i i ~~ Table 6B .Blood values from adult female moose radio-collared upstream from Watana dam site,April 1980. ,Hemo-Packed Phos-Uric Choles-Bili-Alk. Accession,'.globin _cell Calcium phorus Glucose B.U.N.Acid terol rubin Phos.L.D.H.S.G.O.T. Number ..g/~OOml vol.%mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/l00ml mg/l00ml mg/100ml mg/100ml ~u/100ml mu/l00ml 120618 .,17.5 43.5 10 t 7 5.9 121.0 7.0 0.2 45.0 0.2 33.0 204.0 56.0 120620 .17.0 42.8 10.1 5.4 112.0 8.0 0.2 62.0 0.2 41.0 189.0 86.0 120621 l8.0 44.3 10.3 5.3 117.0 5.0 0.3 110.0 0.2 104.0 216.0 66.0 120623 :18.0 41.0 8.5 5.0 122.0 8.0 0.2 42.0 0.2 21.0 183.0 48.0.. 120624 '17.0 42.8 10.4 5.4 131.0 4.0 0.2 54.0 0.2 43.0 166.0 49.0 120625 15.5 22.3 10.0 5.2 136.0 3.0 0.1 59.0 0.2 33.0 164.0 59.0 120636 10.1 5.3 152.0 5.0 0.3 40.0 0.2 57.0 180.0 40.0 120637 10.2 5.2 128.0 6.0 0.5 62.0 0.2 97.0 190.0 54.0 120638,".:,.11.2 6.0 154.0 8.0 0.2 53.0 0.2 42.0 222.0 54.0 ~120639 .10.2 7.3 121.0 6.0 0.3 56.0 0.1 30.0 207.0 69.0w 120640 10.3 6.3 137.0 6.0 0.2 43.0 0.1 41.0 153.0 41-.0 120645 .:',17·0 44.0 10.5 4.1 105.0 4.0 0.5 54.0 0.2 229.0 85.0 120646 "17.0 44.0 10.4 5.6 102.0 7.0 0.3 68.0 0.2 75.0 197.0 55.0 120647..16.5 42.0 10.8 5.3 111.0 6.0 0.3 61.0 0.2 46.0 215.0 51.0 120648 .::..19.5 48.0 10.5 2.1,147.0 2.0 0.4 52.0 0.2 66.0 278.0 94.0 120649 ":'.'.16.2 42.0 120650 ,':17 .4 47.0 10.4 5.8 130.0 5.0 0.2 55.0 0.1 58.0 273.0 54.0 120651 ' . '16.1 42.0 10.5 4.3 116.0 4.0 0.2 71.0 0.2 36.0 262.0 57.0 120652"'18.0 47.0 10.2 2.1 160.0 2.0 0.2 53.0 0.1 82.0 181.0 46.0 120653 t9.0 48.0 9.7 2.3 119.0 5.0 0.3 63.0 0.3 68.0 216.0 63.0 120654 '1.6.5 41.0 10.5 4.5 143.0 4.0 0.2 49.0 0.1 42.0 199.0 51.0 12065.5 17 .5 42.0 iO.4 4.8 102.0 3.0 0.2 62.0 0.1 40.0 201.0 53.0 120656 17.0 45.0 10.0 3.9 121.0 3.0 0.3 71.0 0.3 56.0 219.0 78.0 n 18 18 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 21 22 22 x 17 .26 42.71 10.27 4.87 126.68 5.05 0.26 58.41 0.18 52.90 206.55 59.50 S.D."1.00 5.58 0.50 1.33 16.81 1.86 0.10 .14.49 0.06 22.13 32.91 14.63 .' Table 6B(cont.).Blood values from adult female moose radio-collared upstream from Watana dam site,April 1980. Total (Electro- Protein Albumin phoresis) Accession SMAK test SMAK Test Albumin Globulin Alpha 1 Alpha 2 Beta Gamma Number ",g/100ml g/lOOml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/lOOml g/100ml A/G Ratio . 120618:'7.1 4.0 5.2 1.9 0.6 0.4 '0.8 2.8 120620 7.1 3.9 5.0 2.1 0.6 0.6 0.9 2.3 120621 7.0 4.0 5.0 2.0 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.7 2.4 120623 5.2 3.0 3.9 1.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.5 3.1 120624 7.8 3.8 5.1 2.7 0.6 0.6 1.5 1.9 120625 6.7 3.6 4.5 2.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.1 2.1 120636 6.6 3.6 4.6 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.9 2.4 .l"-120637 6.8 4.0 5.1 1.7 0.6 0.5 0.7 2.9 .l"-120638 7.9 4.1 5.2 2.7 0.2 0.4 0.6 1.4 2.0 120639 6.7 3.8 5.1 1.8 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 2.9 120640:,"6.6 3.7 4.8 1.8 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 2.7 120645".6.9 3.6 4.7 2.2 0.7 0.5 1.1 2.1 120646'.7.0 3.7 4.8 2.2 0.8 0.5 0.9 2.2 120~47 7.0 3.8 4.9 2.1 0.6 0.4 1.1 2.3 120648 6.9 4.0 4.9 2.0 0.7 0.5 0.7 2.4 120649 120650 6.6 4.0 5.0 1.6 0.6 0.4 0.6 3.1 120651.6.7 3.6 4.5 2.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.1 2.0 120652,7.0 3.9 5.2 1.8 0.6 0.4 0.8 2.8 120653 ,;',-,.6.9 3.8 5.0 1.9 0.6 0.4 0.9 2.7 120654 6.7 3.9 4.9 1.8 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.7 2.8.120655 6.7 3.7 4.5 2.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 1.0 2.0 120656,7.1 3.8 4.8 2.3 0.2 0.6 0.4 1.1 2.1 n 22 22 22 22 21 11 22 22 22 x 6.86 3.79 4.85 2.02 0.46 0.43 0.46 0.89 2.45 S.D.'.,0.50 0.23 0.31 0.32 0.19 0.12 0.08 0.27 0.39 .~L J J J J J ,.J J •D ,J J J »)) 1 1 J )J ~~l )-I -j ]1 J )] Table 7.Blood values from adult cow moose sampled in spring.1981 in the Susitna River Study Area of southcentral Alaska. Hemo-Packed Phos-Uric Choles-Bili-Alk. Accession globin cell Calcium phorus Glucose BUN acid terol rubin Phos.L.n.H.S.G.O.T.Age Number g/100ml voL %mg/100ml mg/100ml mg/lOOml mg/100ml mg/lOOml mg/lOOml mg/100ml mg/100ml mu/100ml mu/100ml (months) 120662 20.0 50 10.5 4.5 118 3 0.4 76 0.2 73 210 51 96 120663 18.5 48 10.6 5.1 136 2 0.4 74 0.2 76 167 48 96 120666 15.5 37 105 120668 16.0 39 10.2 6.6 130 3 0.4 57 0.1 73 185 58 94 120671 17.0 41 10.4 6.8 110 1 0.3 76 0.1 80 277 63 46 120673 19.0 47 11.1 5.1 109 4 0.3 84 0.2 70 257 75 Adult 120680 20.0 48 10.9 5.5 134 3 0.2 71 0.2 54 299 66 22 120683 16.4 42 11.5 3.8 176 4 0.3 87 0.1 63 221 72 106 120687 15.6 37 10.0 5.1 114 2 0.4 57 0.1 35 183 71 31 120688 19.2 47 11.2 5.4 127 2 0.4 82 0.2 78 193 52 Adult 120691 19.5 45 10.6 4.2 117 3 0.6 131 0.2 39 282 T !!./106 120692 17.5 45 9.4 5.2 173 4 0.3 56 0.1 62 142 50 106 120694 19.5 47 154 .p.120695 10.3 5.1 83 4 0.2 62 0.1 31 203 48 AdultLI1 n 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 -17.98 44.08 10.56 5.20 116.53 2.92 0.35 76.08 0.15 61.17 218.25 59.45x sn 1.71 4.41 0.57 0.86 44.75 1.00 0.11 20.43 0.50 17.47 49.47 10.34 !}../T =trace;not included for computations Table 7.(cont.d) Total (Electro- Protein Albumin phoresis) Accession SMAC test SMAK test Albumin Albumin Globulin Alpha 1 Alpha 2 Beta Gamma Age Number g/100mg g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml g/100ml A/G Ratio (months) 120662 7.1 4.2 4.9 2.2 6.3 0.4 0.4 2.2 96 120663 7.2 4.0 5.0 2.2 0.2 0.4 0.4 2.2 96 120666 4.5 2.0 0.4 0.3 0.5 2.2 105 120668 6.2 4.1 4.9 2.7 0.2 0.3 0.4 3.0 94 120671 6.3 3.9 4.7 1.6 0.3 0.4 0.3 3.0 46 120673 7.4 4.4 5.2 2.2 0.3 0.5 0.5 2.4 Adult 120680 6.6 4.2 5.0 1.6 0.2 0.4 0.3 3.0 22 120683 7.0 3.9 4.9 2.1 0.2 0.3 0.6 2.4 106 120687 6.1 3.5 .4.4 1.7 0.2 0.2 0.3 2.6 31 120688 6.7 .4.0 4.9 1.8 0.2 0.4 0.4 2.8 Adult 120691 6.9 4.7 4.0 2.9 0.1 1.7 0.4 1.4 106 120692 6.1 3.7 4.3 1.8 0.2 0.3 0.4 2.4 106 .p...120695 6.3 3.7 4.5 1.8 0.1 0.3 0.5 2.4 Adult 0\ n 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 x 6.66 4.03 4.71 2.05 0.68 0.45 0.42 2.46 SD 0.46 0.33 0.34 0.40 1.69 0.38 0.09 0.44 J .1 )J J !J J J J ~_cJ J J !J J J J ]J »J -1 )~....]---J,]1 }1 Table 8.Comparison of moose blood and morphometric condition parameters from Alaskan populations sampled in late winter and spring (sample size in parenthesis.table modified from Smith and Franzmann 1979). Copper River Delta GMU 13 GMU 13 GMU 15C GMU 13 GMU 14C (Mar.1974)(Mar.1977)(Apr.1975)(Apr.1975)(Mar.1981)(Feb.1976) Blood Values Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Calcium mg/dl 10.38 0.74(44)11.23 0.80(49)10.91 0.86(58)9.61 0.98(29)10.56 0.57(12)10.33 0.81(19) Phosphorus mg/dl 5.50 0.69(44)4.48 1.03(49)5.63 0.99(59)4.72 1.08(29)5.20 0.86(12)4.74 1.51 (18) Glucose mg/dl 147.0 37.5(44)152.4 26.6(49)127.8 2~.2(59)91.3 16.2(29)116.5 44.8(12)109.9 16.3(18) Total Protein g/dl 7.07 0.57(45)7.14 0.63(54)7.43 0.40(61)6.70 0.83(30)6.66 0.46(12)7.20 0.54(18) Albumin g/dl 3.82 0.39(45)--5.21 0.39(61)4.21 0.51 (30)4.03 0.33(12)4.80 0.41(18) Beta globulin g/dl 0.72 0.09(45)--0.60 0.11(61)0.55 0.12(30)0.42 0.09(13)0.60 0.07(18) .p.. .......Hemoglobin g/dl 19.8 0.5(46)18.8 1.38(25)19.7 0.7(60)18.7 1.5(29)18.0 1.7(13)15.4 1.2(17) PCV %53.2 4.'2(46)50.2 3.5(51)49.2 3.7(60)45.9 3.9(29)44.1 4.4(13)43.4 2.8(19) Total Length (females)cm 301.5 81.0(23)288.5 18.0(38)295.6 10.9(115)288.5 15.3(210)291.0 13.0(13) Chest Girth (females)em 201.3 13.8(25)195.4 12.7(34)191.3 14.3(105)182.2 16.3(194)203.2 16.3(11) Hind Foot (females)em 81.5 1.8(16)--80.0 2.9(79)79.9 3.8(203)84.2 7.1(11) Shoulder Height (females)em ----185.5 11.1(7)174.9 14.1(65) Table 8.(cont1d) GMU 13 Susitna Moose Research Study Area Yakutat GMU 13 Center GMU 9 (Apr.1980)(Mar.1980)(Mar.1979)(Feb ••Mar .•Apr.)(Apr.1977) Blood Values Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Calcium mg/d,l 10.24 0.47(33)10.98 0.57(41 9.52 (1.14(13)9.81 0.64 (39)10.80 0.43(57) Phosphorus mg/dl ?17 1.26(33)3.71 1.06 (41)4.90 0.84(13)3.90 1.09 (39)4.35 0.86(57) Glucose mg/dl 128.36 20.74(33)143.8 23.1 (41)107.9 21.0(13)116.2 26.1(39)158.1 22.2(57) Total Protein g/dl 6.88 0.50(33)7.45 0.43(41)5.65 0.60(13)6.60 0.44(39)7.79 0.43(57) Albumin g/dl 4.85 0.31(33)5.38 0.30(41)--3.76 0.46(39)5.05 0.28(57) Beta .p...globulin g/dl 0.48 0.27(33)0.62 0.09(41 --0.58 0.10(39)0.74 0.11(57)co Hemoglobin g/dl 17.55 1.45(30)16.7 1.3(42)16.9 1.5(11)15.9 2.2(39)16.4 1.3 (54) PCV %42.77 5.22(30)40.6 3.6(42)40.6 3.6(11)39.9 4.6(39)39.0 5.4(56) Total Length em 288.5 15.3(34)289.2 13.0(39)286.0 17.5(13)282.6 9.1(254)302.1 6.8(54) Heart Girth em 200.3 17.2(33)202.6 12.2(39)188.1 14.2(13)179.5 11.1(252)201.1 12.2(53) Hind Foot em 80.9 4.4(31)79.4 13.7(37)84.1 5:5(13)79.3 1.9(246)80.8 1.8(12) Shoulder Height em ------175.9 8.1 --'*,~i J t -_.j _J j J .~.......J I J ,!,J ,.,.. .... (1978)believed was the most useful parameter for assessing con- - ---~-~- di tion class.They believed the following blood values repre- sented adult moose in average or better condition:PCV -50 per- cent;Hb -18.6 g/100 ml,calcium -10.4 mg/l00 ml,phosphorus - -5.2 mg/l00 ml,total protein 7.5 g/100 ml,albumin 4.5 g/lOO ml,beta globulin 0.7 g/100 ml,and glucose -140 g/100 mI.Seven of eight of these values in 1980 and six of eight in 1981 were below these desirable levels.Mean PCV and Hb values from each sampling period were compared by t test.PCV values for 1980 Susitna moose were significantly different (P<O.OS)from those obtained at the Copper River Delta,GMU 13 in.1975 and 1977,GMU lSC,GMU 5,the Moose Research Center and GMU 9.No significant differences (P>O.05)were detected between 1980 PCV values and those found in GMU 13 in 1979,when moose were nutri- tionally stressed due to winter severity,and for GMU 14C.Sim- ilar differences and similarities were detected for Hb values. PCV values obtained in 1981 were not significantly (P>O.OS)dif- ferent from those in 1980 nor those found in GMU lSC and GMU 14C. All other PCV samples .were significantly different (P<O.OS)from those obtained in GMU 13 in 1981. Blood and morphometic values from calves sampled in March 1981 (Table 9)were compared with calves sampled in another area of Unit 13 during March 1979 (Table 10).The comparison suggests that March 1981 calves were in better physiological condition and perhaps larger than those sampled in March 1979.Winter 1978-79 was the second most severe winter recorded in the Nelchina Basin in terms of total snowfall whereas winter 1980-81 was relatively mild.Therefore,we would have anticipated that the calves sam- pled in 1981 would be in better condition than those sampled in 1979.The apparent differences in size were not anticipated, however,and could be related either to differences between areas or perhaps differences in food availability related to snow con- ditions. Previous studies of moose condition in 1975 and 1977 in GMU 13 had suggested that moose were in relatively good physical con- 49 I I I ~ Table 9.Selected blood and morphometric values of calf moose captured in March and May 1981 in the Susitna River Study Area of southeentral Alaska.-. Moose Blood Values Morphometric Values ID#Hb FCV Ca F TP(SMAC)TL cm CG em HF em 120669 18.0 43 10.3 4.7 6.0 205.5 154.0 69.0 120670 20.0 44 9.5 5.8 3.8 229.2 172.7 73.0 120674 229.9 175.3 73.7 120675 17.5 40 10.7 5.6 5.9 218.4 167.6 74.9 120676 20.0 50 11.2 5.8 6.6 120677 203.2 120678 16.5 33 10.4 5.9 ~ 120679 9.0 3.2 5.7 120681 17.0 43 10.7 7.2 6.3 209.0 72.0 120685 20.0 46 10.4 7.8 5.9 199.4 71.1 120686 19.7 47 10.5 4.2 5.9 223.5 152.4 69.8 ~ 120689 19.0 40 10.9 6.5 5.9 218.5 160.0 70.2 120690 20.0 46 11.3 7.0 6.4 208.0 162.6 65.0 120693 17 .5 45 10.8 6.2 6.1 228.0 160.0 67.3 120696 10.0 5.3 5.2 223.0 75.0 x 18.65 43.36 10.44 5.78 5.82 216.3 163.1 71.0 SD 1.38 4.52 0.64 1.31 0.70 10.83 8.26 3.15 ~ n 11 11 13 12 13 12 8 11 - - ""l, 50 1 J J 1 l J }J 1 1 J 1 )J Table 10.Comparison of selected blood and morphometric values for calf moose sampled in two areas of Game Management Unit 13 of southcentral Alaska during March 1979 and 1981. Packed Neck %..,Cell Total Total Chest Hind circumference Head Hemoglobin Volume Protein length (em)girth (em)foot (em)(em)length Year n x S.D.n x S.D.n x S.D.n x S.D.n ·x S.D.n x S.D.n x S.D.n x S.D. 1979 60 16.2 1.7 61 36.7 4.2 61 5.0 .7 48 207.1 9.9 40 138.9 11.7 57 73.8 3.2 38 59.2 4.4 48 54.6 2.6 1981 11 18.7 1.4 11 43.4 4.5 13 5.8 .7 12 216.3 10.8 8 163.1 8.3 11 71.0 3.2 6 65.1 4.1 9 55.6 2.5 test of sig- nifl- cance <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.025 <0.001 <0.025 <.025 <0.05 U1 f-' ":'''i':j' .\. l ,if I I I dition compared to moose populations elsewhere suggesting at the that time that deteriorating range conditions were not yet a pro~ blem (Ballard and Taylor 1980).Recent blood data suggests that the physical condition of moose has deteriorated to some degree since that time.It is generally accepted that good moose habi- tat is closely linked with the frequency of wild fire.Since there have not been any sizable wildfires in GMU 13 for at least 30 to 35 years (op.cit.),a gradual deterioration in habitat quality could be anticipated.However,even though the quality or condition of moose habitat may be gradually deteriorating, available evidence suggests that the population is not yet at carrying capaci ty. Wolf and Cowling (1981)reported an average moose browsing in- tensi ty of 65 percent in nearby Mount McKinley National Park. Browsing intensity ranged from 35 to 86 percent.Ai though no formal browsing studies'have been conducted in GMU 13 casual ob- servations along the Susitna River and elsewhere in the unit sug- gest that the intensity may be similar to that in the Park.How- ever,even at the heavy level of browsing,the McKinley moose herd does not appear to be limited by range conditions but in- stead appears to be limited by predation (op.cit.).They spe- culated that the McKinley herd could increase an additional 10-15 percent before reaching carrying capacity.We suggest that moose in GMU 13 are also below range carrying capacity as evidenced by moose population increases following reductions in predator den- sities. Studies of moose calf mortality in the upper Susitna River Basin above the Denali Highway had suggested that predation by bears was responsible for 79 percent of the early calf losses (Ballard et al 1981).A bear reduction program reduced early neonatal losses from an estimated 55 percent to an estimated 9 percent. (Ballard et ala in press).If the available moose range was at carrying capacity,we would have expected a significant number of calves to have died from starvation during the first winter fol- lowing the bear reduction program.Such was not the case,as 52 - .-, i - - - - ..... ,.... - first and 2nd year winter mortality was only 6 and 4 percent, respectively (op.cit.).We infer from this high rate of sur- vival that the population is not limited,at least on a short term basis,by range conditions.The bear reduction program alone may have allowed the population to increase by as much as 19 percent.In summary then it appears that although blood data suggest that range quality in the Susitna study area has deterio- rated to an undetermined degree,other evidence suggests that the range could support a larger number of moose. Movements Between October 1976 and mid-August 1981,over 2700 locations were obtained on 207 moose of both sexes and all age.classes for movement and mortality studies in the Susitna and Nelchina River Basins.Only seventy-five of these were captured specifically for Susitna Hydroelectric studies during 1980 and 1981,but many of the other moose provided pertinent information.An average of 13.1 and 11.0 radio locations per moose were obtained in 1980 and 1981,respectively,for the 75 moose. Seasonal movements and general areas occupied by individual radio-collared moose by month of observation from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 are presented in Appendix A.Location and degree of overlap of radio-collared moose horne ranges are depicted in Figs.9 and 10.The radio-collared moose exhibited all of the types of movements described by LeResche (1974)for moose in North America.For purposes of this report,however, they could basically be divided into two groups:sedentary and migratory.A sedentary moose is defined as one which has con- fined its movements to a relatively small area and where portions of the summer and winter range overlap.A migratory moose on the other hand is defined as one with a relatively large horne range wi th nonoverlapping summer and winter horne ranges.The latter type of moose often moves from 16 to 93 kIn between seasonal horne ranges.Both movement types'often involve seasonal changes in elevation. 53 I I I 1fiPA, """" 'a_ • 0~. ~c:--• •••.CD o ..o •E > ~I:C....• .•CD-".... at • ...-< ~-••~.. 0-_c: o •o 0,ce-o ~ ..0_CD •c:-=.o ~~tQ o .. ~.•a...a. -~o~c::.Q. c: c:--..~.- e •oZ ,c • _,c0--c:•c:-"~'..~-110. -alE0..o 0;0 •~,IO..Q ClI .~.. c:<A • I em~o.e .. al,c CD CD ....~.! ~0 as CD ..Uu::.: /~ / / '-I ( ~ ! // .54 - )1 1 J }J )J ))]j )] '-" '......, -:J ','\. / V , )r\....~'I A ,_ I,i ,,'"p'L.-v[;' /' .... '~\,- "".\_.--~ ( -'::> ,/ '\ "-.., "-.~" ///~---'-';:'. .../" /' i ! i /; /I / .:!I ,f I / I / ,:'/// /'>/Vi /'-.---!'-' .../_....//L )•~I'• .•,/ ,.r/ ,// ,.....-//"....__r -~_f /-/'-------/;/ // (, '. \ .~."'-","'''\ \ \ \ \. \ i J II{l~., ( .\-.' \ ~'/t ' " ", /!\ i, '{, 'f,'\"/' \Jl \Jl Figure 10.General location 0'eelected home rang ..0'rad'o ...collared mooee etudled 'or Sueltna Hydroelectric etudle. trom October 1978 through mld-Auguet 1981 In the upper Sueltna River Baeln 0'Southcentra'Alaeka. (acale:1 cm =6000 metere) '" In earlier moose movement studies (Ballard and Taylor 1980; Ballard et al.1981)it was suggested that most of the migratory moose were distributed from Jay Creek and eastward.Additional information collected in 1981 suggest that a large number of mi- gratory moose occur in the Watana Creek area as well. Movement patterns of most moose examined from 1976 through 1981 appeared to approximate the drainage pattern of creeks and trib- utaries of the main stem rivers.Consequently,most movements in the upper Susi tna involve a north-south movement pattern.Gen- eral movement and migration patterns are depicted in Fig.11. Elevation,slope and aspect usage by moose Average monthly elevations at which radio-collared moose were located from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 are summarized in Table 11.Generally,moose occupied relatively low elevations (x=2577 ft.for April,and 2641 ft.for May)during late spring and early summer.As summer progressed,moose generally moved to higher elevations with the highest average elevation occurring in December (x=2955 ft.).Statistical comparisons suggest that many of the average monthly values were quite similar but there were significant differences (P<0.10)between winter and summer ele- vations.In earlier studies of moose movements in Unit 13 both Van ~allenberghe (1978)and Ballard and Taylor (1980)described the al titudinal movements of moose as follows:"during summer these moose occupied areas at about 2500-3000 ft (762-914m)ele- vation,and during winter habitat types at the 1800-2200 ft (548-671m)elevation were utilized."The analyses provided in Table 11 do not fit this pattern.Summer elevationa1 use appears to be quite similar but winter elevational use during this study was not.Mean monthly elevations from December through March ranged from 2685 ft through 2954 ft which were considerably higher than the 1800-2200 ft.elevations reported earlier.Al- though portions of the data used for this analysis were derived from the earlier movement studies reported by Ballard and Taylor (1980)over half of the locations were obtained during 1980 and 56 - - ~I j ]J J I ~·-l J 1 J .J :--l teA"~IlIl;N:tIa IIlSI!MAl' OCTOBER "1I UPPER SUSlTHA RIVER BASIN TWO DAM.PlAN II.S.DEPARTMENT CE ..TERIOR fISH A1G W1l.lll.IFl£SERVICE 1OUf1lCE1fflI...IIAUIfl.J'A11IA.AUIKA \ I \-......("'-::7J ) ----'"-'---...J '\ .1, I <--\ ;-,------r I ._~~~._ moose in relation to proposed the Ne1china and upper Susitna .. r±~:-~J$3..__,_.:.,._iIf CI UPPER SUSITNA RIVER PROFILE "IVeR WI""IrO",'D $!:AU -===-o I 10-----.r---zollo", ~~1ft,.~.... .~"........-EI:-_._ General movement and migration patterns of radio-collared impoundments from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in River Basins of southcentra1 Alaska. I UUlU:1HA t Figure.11. U1 ....... Table H.Summary of elevational use by approximately 200 radio-collared moose (both sexes and all age classes)from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in the upper Susitna and Nelchina River Basins of southcentral Alaska. Tests of signifi- cance 11 (P<O.(0) Month Jan.Feb.Mar.April May June July Aug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.Total Mean elevation 2800 2736 2686 2577 2641 2690 2755 2790 2745 2997 2953 2955 2749 Standard deviation 461.8 468.0 442.4 461.9 449.0 426.6 531.2 509.6 451.8 488.6 480.4 475.7 Sample size 66 98 285 204 341 424 218 174 130 193 168 116 2417 lJlco Range of elevations Min.1800 1400 1700 1500 1400 1300 -1800 1800 1400 1450 1600 Max.3900 3900 4600 4100 3800 4400 4200 4800 4000 4200 4400 4600 !I Values which are underlined were not significantly different (P<0.10)(from Scheffe). I •• m J I .~_J J I J I J ..1 )!J r i ,..... - - .- .... i 1981.From October 1976 through mid-August 1981 winter severity ----- --- in terms of total snow depths was relatively mild for the winters of 1976-77, 1977-78,1979-80 and 1980-81.Only the winter of 1978-79 was considered severe (Eide and Ballard in press).Be- cause funding was not available to adequately monitor Susi tna moose during winter 1978-79 only a few radio-locations were ob- tained.Therefore,the data summary primarily represents the a1 ti tudina1 movements of moose during relatively mild winters. We suspect that high winds and temperature inversions reduced snow depths at higher elevations making winter food more avail- able at higher rather than at lower elevations.Consequently, moose were not forced to concentrate on lower winter range as they would when upland snow depths become excessive.Therefore, moose movement and concentration patterns exhibited during this study only reflect those of mi 1d winters and thus the use and importance of areas to be inundated by the proj ect are probably not adequately addressed from the data available. The slope of the general area occupied by each radio-collared moose was classified from topographic maps.Slopes were clas- sified into four broad categories:flat - 0 to 10°;gentle -11 to 30°,moderate -31 to 60°,and steep -61 to 90°.During both summer and winter,which for thi s ana1ysi s are defined as May through August and November through April,respectively,both flat and gentle slopes accounted for 91 percent of the usage . Moderate and steep slopes accounted for only 9 percent of the total observations. General aspect of each radio-collared moose observation were also classified from topographic maps.Aspect was classified into 10 categories,eight of which comprised the axes of the compass. The remaining two classifications were flat and gully.A summary of all observations is presented in Table 12.Gross examination suggests that no single aspect was strongly selected by moose. However,overall,flat,gully and southerly exposures comprised 54 percent of the observations during winter while during summer 59 ,.,., Table 12.Summary of aspect usage by radio-collared moose of both sexes and all age classes as determined from topographic maps from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins of southcentral - Alaska. Winter Summer Aspect iF %iF %Total % Flat 190 16.7 212 13.2 402 14.7 Gully 56 4.9 9~6.1 154 5.6 North 119 10.5 214 13.3 333 12.1 """" Northeast 97 8.6 122 7.6 219 8.0 East 121 10.7 170 10.6 291 10.6 ~ Southeast 126 11.1 174 10.8 300 10.9 ~South 151 13.3 174 10.8 325 11.9 Southwest 88 7.8 113 7.0 201 7.3 West 90 7.9 129 8.0 219 8.0 Northwest 97 8.6 201 12.5 298 10.9 ~ Totals 1135 100.0 1607 99.9 2742 100.0 """1 60 they compri sed 48 percent of the observations.There al so ap- peared to be a slight increase in the use of northern exposures during summer (28 percent in winter versus 33 percent in summer). However,these analyses have not been statistically tested and should only be considered tentative.Because not all moose were located at the same frequency throughout the year a more in depth analysis of individual moose in relation to the impoundments is necessary. \. Habitat Usage Table 13 summarizes habitat use of radio-collared moose as ob- served from fixed-wing aircraft from October 1976 through mid- August 1981..Year-round,spruce habitats comprised the most fre- quently used habitats with sparce and medium density,medium height black·spruce comprising 35 percent of the total observa- tions.This was not particularly surprising since the classifi- cation system was based on overstory vegetation and the "spruce- moose"association is well recognized.However,for the Basin in general conifer forests cover only 19 percent of the area (Univ. of Alaska,Palmer Agricultural Experiment Stat.1981).Shrubland, however,comprised 40 percent of the area (op.cit.).The two types combined comprise 59 percent of the total area in the Basin but receive over 90 percent year-round use by moose according to aerial classification. Vegetation studies (Univ.of Alaska,Palmer Ag.Exp.Sta.,1981) also suggested that spruce and more specifically black spruce stands received heavy usage by moose.For example,they sug- gested that "among black spruce stands,those occupying signi- ficant slopes (8-10 0 )appeared to be more productive of browse species,and in fact,had noticeably greater use by moose."They also suggested that browse production was lower in these stands relative to other vegetation,but that they had received heavy use,suggesting that such stands may be important for cover during severe winters.Observations of radio-collared moose during relatively mild weather suggested that spruce habitat 61 Table 13.Monthly use of habitat types by radio-collared moose of bath sexes and all ages as determined from fixed-wing aircraft fram 1977 through mid-August 1981 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basins. Vegetation Jan. Classification .----:% Feb. IX Mar.-,---%~,%~June..--r /UlY%~,I ,septi Oct. ~ Nov.,---z Dec..------z Totalr-z Birch o o o o o o o o .2 7 .1 .3 .6 o o o o o o o 0 o 0 4 .2 unidentified hard"lOod 0 o·o o o o _o o o o .3 o o o o o o o o 1.1 1 1.1 3 .2 dense medium height bl. spruce 2 4.8 2 3.3 o o II 6.7 12 4.4 21 6.8 10 5.9 10 7.4 9 7.8 4 3.0 2 2.2 1.1 81 4.6 dense medium height white spruce 0 o o o o o 3 2.5 2 .7 o o o o o 0 .9 2 1.5 1.1 0 0 9 .5 I' 2 4.8 6 2.2 5 1.6 4 2.4 ., .47 1.1271.5 1.1 2 2.2 o 0 ~7 ooo 5 4.3 o .7 o 0 oo oooo.8 2 1.7.5 .5o 1.7 ooo dense short bi.spruce dense tall bi.spruce (J'\ N dense tall white spruce 2.4 6 10.0 7 3.4 4 3.4 9 3.3 8 2.6 2 1.2 o 0 2 1.7 2 1.5 2 2.2 4 4.3 47 2.7 Alder o o o o o o o o o '0 o o 2 1.2 2 1.5 o o o o o 0 o 0 4 .2 dense medium height bl. spruce 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o o 2 1.5 o o o o o 0 o 0 2 .1 medium dense medium height bl.spruce 4 9.5 17 28.3 57 27.8 38 31.9 84 31.0 59 19.1 36 21.3 23 16'.9 27 23.3 18 13.3 13 14.1 17 18.3 393 22.5 " medium dense· short spruce 6 14.3 2 3.3 21 10.2 7 5.9 15 5.5 29 9.4 9 5.3 11 8.1 8 6.9 2 1.5 2 2.2 2 2.2 114 6.5 I J I J I j I J )J ,J ,J 1'/J ] ,/ 1 1 B J 1 j 1 J !] Table 13.(cont.d). Row Vegetation Jan.Feb.Mar.lpr.%~June ~~...!!!h Oct.Nov.Dec.Total Classifi-,-------y ,----y ,----y ,%.--------x ,%,%,%.--------x .--------x .,..-y -,--% cation --- medium dense tall spruce 0 0 0 0 1 .5 3 2.5 3 1.1 2 .6 5 3.0 4 2.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1.1 19 1.1.'medium dense tall who spruce 2 4.8 5 8.3 5 2.4 9 7.6 14 15.2 18 5.8 4 2.4 11 8.1 7 6.0 10 7.4 '3 3.3 4 4.3 92 5.3 upland brush snd willow 14 33.3 18 30.0 34 16.6 12 10.1 44 16.2 72 23.3 53 31.4 32 23.5 29 25.0 58 43.0 35 38.0 40 43.0 441 25.2 sparse dense medium spruce 8 19.0 6 10.0 58 28.3 24 20.2 56 20.7 57 18.4 21 12.4 17 12.5 14 12.1 24 17.8 19 20.7 11 11.8 315 18.0 0'\sparse shortwspruce 2 4.8 1 1.7 13 6.3 3 2.5 14 5.2 22 7.1 17 10.1 6 4.4 9 7.8 2 1.5 7 7.6 8 8.6 104 6.0 aparse tall spruce 1 2.4 0 0 1 .5 0 0 4 1.5 0 0 5 3.0 4 2.9 1 .9 0 0 2 2.2 0 0 18 1.0 sparse taU white spruce 0 0 2 3.3 6 2.9 5 4.2 6 2.2 14 4.5 0 0 13 9.6 4 3.4 12 8.9 3 3.3 2 2.2 67 3.8 Column total 42 2.4 60 3.4 205 11.7 119 6.8 271 15.5 309 17.7 167 9.7 136 7.8 116 6.6 135 7.7 92 5.3 93 5.3 1747 100.0 1 I.I types were used heavily and that 48 percent of all observations -_.---_.-------. occurred on slopes from 1 to 10°. Use of upland brush-willow habitat types corresponded with ob- served e1evationa1 movements of moose.Use of this habitat type was at its lowest during the month of April when moose were at relatively low elevations just prior to calving.Use gradually increased through summer reaching a plateau of 43 percent in October and remaining at a relatively high use percentage through February.As mentioned earlier we suspected the use of rela- tively high elevations from late fall through winter was the re- su1 t of mi 1d winters which allowed these habitat types to be available. During calving in May,sparse and medium dense,medium height spruce habitats were utilized by moose.We suspect these lower e1evationa1 types are selected by cow moose because of both es- cape cover and earlier green up of foliage.Several habitat types such as birch,alder,and several spruce types did not ap- pear to be selected by moose (Table 14)according to aerial ob- servation.However,ground observers (U.of Ak.,Pal.Exp.Sta. 1981)suggested that both birch and alder stands appeared to re- ceive at least some use and some stands were heavi 1y used by moose. Plans were developed to overlap existing radio-location data over the 1:63,360 scale vegetation maps provided by the Palmer Agri- cu1 tura1 Experiment Station.This approach was to be investi- gated on an experimental basis (Miller and Anctil 1981).At the time thi s report was prepared data forms were being keypunched and therefore the analysis was not available.Even when the analysis is complete,however,it may do little to explain moose usage of the described habi tat types. Some of the potential problems envisioned w.ith this approach have already been described (Miller and Anctil 1981).One major pro- blem is that of utilizing overstory vegetation to classify habi- 64 '""" """ ~. )J 1 ]--1 ~--l J 1 1 Table 14.Summary of Susitna River Crossings and calf production and mortality of '75 radio-collared mooss studied from 11 April 1980 through December 1981 in the UpperSusitna River Basin of Southcentral Alaaka. ,occasions Date 1st Dates when lIoose Sex-,times crossed Sus-pates of !liver observed ,calves calves last ,Calves ,Calves -'-!&!...located itna !liver Crossings with calves observed observed lost surviving 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981·Kisc.Notes 120611 F-A 20 14 0 0 ----0 5/29 0 2 --5/29 120618 F-A 13 3 0 0 ----0 5/29 0 1 --5/29 -1 -0 Dead 1/1/81 Bear pred. 120619 F-A 16 14 1 5 5/13-6/4 5/10-6/1 0 6/1 0 1 --1/1 -1 -0 6/1-1/1 10/2-10/21 10/21-11/18 11/18-12/9 120620 F-A 2 --------------------Pead 4/22/80 120621 F-A 1 -- --------- ---------Lost collar 120622 F-A 18 13 0 0 ----0 0 0 0 120623 F-A 10 4 0 0 ----0 <10/1 0 1 -----0 120624 ~'-A 14 11 0 4 --9/9-9/16 5/25 5/29 1 1 6/26 1 1/1 0 0 0'\9/16-10/5 \.)1 10/5-10/28 10/28-11/11 120625 F-A 6 -0 ----------- ---- --Dead 6/26/80 pass.bear pred. 120626 M-A 13 8 0 2 --1/22-8/11 - - - ------ - --Killed '81 8/11-9/10 hunting season 120621 M-A 12 -3 -.4/22-5/14 --- - - ------- --Killed '81 6/26-1/10 hunting season 1/28-8/1 1201>28 F-A 16 13 0 1 --11/18-12/4 5/22 0 2 0 5/22 --2 -0 120629 F-A 15 13 0 0 ----5/31 0 2 0 5/31 --2 -0 Table 14.(Cant.d). I occasions Date lst Dates Io/hen Moose Sex-I times crossed Sus-Dates of River observed I calves calves last I Calves I Calves,.-'-!&L located itna River Crossinga with calves observed observed lost surviving 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 Misc.Notes 120630 1 F-A 13 16 0 0 -- -- 6/10 0 2 0 6/10 120631 F-A 14 11 0 0 ----0 0 0 0 120632 F-A 12 --0 ---------------- - Lost collar 7/14-8/12/80 120633 F-A 3 --0 -----------------Lost collar 4/22-5/13/80 120634 F-A 15 12 0 0 ----5/31 5/29 1 2 5/31 5/29 1 1 0 120635 F-A 16 14 1 2 4/22-5/31 9/9-9/11 5/31 5/29 2 2 5/31 5/29 2 2 0 0 9/11-10/2 120636 F-A 14 12 0 0 -----5/26 -1 --5/26 -1 -0 120637 2 F-A 16 l3 0 0 ----5/31 0 2 0 6/26 120638 F-A 13 1 0 0 ----0 <1/1 0 1 --7/1 -1 -0 Both cOlo/-calf ltilled by bear 120639 F-A 18 10 0 0 ----<7/14 0 '1 0 7/14 --I -0 120640 1 F-C 13 13 0 0 ----6/2 <7/1 1 1 ----0 0 120641 4 F-A 11 15 0 0 ----5/31 6/1 2 1 6/26 6/1 1 1 1 0 120642 M-A 14 12 0 0 120643 F-A 18 11 0 0 ------5/29 -1 --5/29 -1 -0 120644 F-A 14 13 0 0 ----6/2 0 2 0 6/2 --2 -0 120645 F-A 14 13 0 0 ----5/25 5/22 2 1 6/6 5/22 2 1 0 0 ~J .,)J I I )))J I .,J ~)J J J J J J j 1 ]1 -J CI I J J j Table 14.(Cont.d)• ,occasions Dste ht Moosl:Sex-I tiDIes c~ossed Sus-Dates of Rivl:~obse~ved -'-~located itna Rive~C~ossings with calves 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1980 1981 1206696 F-C 12 0 120670C F-C 4 0 120671 7 F-A 11 0 120672 7 M-C 11 0 1206738 F-A 3 0 1206748 M-C 12 0 120675 9 M-C 13 0 120676 1 M-C 13 2 9/16-10/1 1206772 10/1-10/27 M-C 13 2 8/4-9/10 120678 3 9/10-10/1 F-C 13 0 120679 4 F-C 14 0 12068010 F-Y 11 0 120681 11 F-G 5 0 120682 M-A 6 0 120683 12 F-A 13 2 4/15-5/26 <6/24 120684 13 F-A 5/26-6/24 13 0 120685 14 F-G 10 0 120686 15 F-G 12 2 7/22-9/9 9/21-10/1 ,calves obse~ved 1980 1981 Dates when calves last obse"ed 1980 1981 ,Calves lost 1980 1981 ,Calves surviving 1980 1981 Misc.Notes Killed by wolves 12/6/81 lost radio contact 5/22 lost collar I )J J ~..1 I I J )J I 3 !1 I J ]J 1 1 J J )""-T 1 1 1 1 J 1 ]]]J Table 14.(Cont.d). Moose -'- Sex-'times ~located 1980 1981 1 occasions crossed Sus- itna River 1980 1981 Dates of River Crossings 1980 1981 Date 1st observed with calves 1980 .1981 ,cslves observed 1980 1981 Dates when calves last observed 1980 1981 ,Calves lost 1980 1981 ,Calves surviving 1980 1981 Misc.Notes 120681 16 F-A 11 120688 F-A 12 120689 16 F-C 11 120690 13 M-C 11 120691 15 F-A 12 120692 14 F-C 11 12069]12 F-C 12 120694 10 F-A 13 120695 11 F-A 9 102696 11.M-C 9 102691 F-A 11 o o o o o o 3 o 3 o 4/15-5/26 5/26-6/24 10/1-10/21 1/18-1/28 1/28-9/9 9/11-10/2 1/18-1/22 5/26 6/24 o o 1 tat when understory is often more important to moose.The upper ------------------------ Susitna and Nelchina Basins contain approximately 24 species of willow (Salix sp.).Of this total several appear to be selected by moose while others are avoided.It is often impossible to identify willow on photographs or from aircraft,let alone to separate different species of willow.It is likely that the dis- tribution of these species of willow selected by moose strongly influences seasonal distribution of moose and is important in determining the importance of a particular area of habitat to the moose population.Therefore,the available vegetation maps prob- ably do not reflect the quality of each area as moose habitat, except in a very gross,indirect way.This is not a serious problem for areas where concentrations of moose have been obser- ved.We can infer that these are important.However,it is a problem where only low or moderate moose densities have been ob- served.Such areas may be high quality moose habitat that might become important under different environmental conditions,such as deeper snow,or at higher moose populations levels.There- fore,the Phase I studies appear inadequate for quantifying the effects of loss of specific habitats on the ability of the area to support moose.They even may not allow a relative ranking of the quality of all habitats for moose. Ri ver Crossings Between October 1976 and December 1981 33 radio-collared moose crossed the Susi tna River a minimum of 73 occasions.General locations of these crossings are depicted in Figure 12.Of the 75 moose captured in 1980 and 1981,15 crossed the river in the area of the proposed impoundments a minimum of 40 occasions (Table 14). Of the 40 river crossings by radio-collared moose during 1980 and 1981,all occurred during the months of May through November. Distribution of the crossings was as follows:May -20.0%,June -7.5%,July -12.5%,August -12.5%,September -25%,October - 12.5%,and November -10%.These observations generally corres- 70 - J J ./ 1 J J 1 J 1 J J 1 ,!llU- OCTOllt:R 111'1 u.S.IlEPAIlTMEHI'CE lNnRIOR fISH AN)W1lIlLlfI SERVICE I!OUTItC%If11lAl.IIALMU lUll A,AUIU UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN TWO DAM.PLAN , I \.....r') <"-~ ) \ \ -J--,;' ,--'" "J_.J /=, \ ", ~<?C7 L v1, )~....~ -.........s-\" .'1,, <- """'l p ,,,. "'~.0" o Locations of SusitnaRiver crossings by radio-co11ared'moose from 1976-1980 in southcentra1 Alaska. Figure 12. '\,, ('-.\"\ ~'\ -l}1-"..... OlQ I 1/",, <:l.,.....t. 'rJ-\ I / I...\. ......, r' \ ...-_---.__._- SCALE UPPER SUSITNA RIVER PROFILE AlVl ..Mtlt:1 Ito-no o 0-•10 --I~a.lII•• t I i I JAUlUTIIA ~:, ....... f-' CaPS 01 1_011 MIl ...... pond wi th the al ti tudinal movement patterns presented earlier. On 24 March 1981 the Susitna River was surveyed for evidence of moose river crossings from the mouth of Portage Creek to the mouth of the Tyone River.A total of 73 sets of moose tracks were observed crossing the river.Fifty-six of these were ob- served on the Susi tna River between Goose Creek and the Tyone Ri ver.Ten sets were observed between Jay and Kosina Creeks while 4 and 3 sets were observed in the vicinity of the mouth of Watana and Tsusena Creeks,respectively.Based upon locations of radio,:"collared moose and track sightings combined,river cros- sings of the Susi tna River appear to occur throughout the pro- posed impoundment area,but are relatively concentrated in the following areas:mouth of Fog Creek to the area opposite Stephan Lake,from the mouth of Deadman Creek upstream for approximately 5 miles,Watana to Jay Creek,and from Goose Creek to Clearwater Creek. Breeding Concentrations Breeding concentrations of moose were determined by plotting the locations of all radio-collared cow moose between 20 September through 20 October 1977 through 1980 (Fig.13).Most moose of both sexes occupied upland sites away from the proposed impound- ment areas.Concentrations occurred in the following areas:Coal Creek to the big bend in the Susi tna River,Clarence Lake,up- lands between Watana and Jay Creeks,Stephan Lake to Fog Creek, and the uplands above the mouth of Tsusena Creek.Other concen- tration areas away from the proposed impoundments include north- western Alphabet hills,the Maclaren River,and the area above the mouth of Valdez Creek. Calving Areas From 1977 through 1981 moose parturition generally occurred from 15 May through 15 June with a peak occurring between 25 May and 2 June.In 1981 at least two cases of late parturition were ob- 72 """ 1 J t J )J I J - -B J 1 J )<-i 1 (, ~ ~-.../- x ~~ & x \ X r----;/ --'\XlrJ \ \ ,-/-~ j"-""'" ,r' / '---'./ ,/./ ....... w Figure 13.Locations of radio-collared moose during the rut (20 September-20 October)from 1977 through faU 1980 In the Helchlna and upper SUlltna.River Basins of Southcentral Alaska. (scale:1 em =12800 metera) served,one calf born after 28 July and another born between 24 June and 28 July.To determine if calving concentration areas occurred in or adjacent to the impoundment areas,all observa- tions of radio-collared cow moose between 15 May and 15 June, 1977 through 1981 were plotted (Fig.14).Although this method includes some cows which were not observed with calves,we be- lieve it provides an approximation of areas where cows gave birth.Many cows that gave birth would not be observed with calves because of high calf mortality immediately following birth (Ballard and Taylor 1980;Ballard et al.1981).Although moose parturi tion was widespread,.several concentrations were evident. They include Coal Creek and its tributaries,along and near the Susitna River from the mouth of Tyone River downstream to a point several miles downstream from Clarence Lake Creek,Jay Creek to Watana Creek,mouths of Deadman and Tsusena Creek,Fog Creek to Stephan Lake,and opposite Fog Creek to Devil Creek.Both upland brush and open spruce appeared to be important habitat types. Winter Distribution and Numbers of Moose in Relation to Impound- ments A moose winter distribution survey was conducted from 4 through 25 March 1980 in portions of the Susitna River Basin containing subpopulations of moose which could be influenced by the proposed project.One thousand eighty-six moose were counted in 26.1 hours of survey effort.Undoubtedly not all moose in the area were observed during this cursory survey.General di stribution of observed moose is depicted in Fig.15.Approximately 60 moose (6%)were observed at elevations which would be inundated at nor- mal pool level.Only two moose were observed in Devi I Canyon pool area while the remainder were in the Watana impoundment with 38 (66%)concentrated at Watana Creek.Al though relatively few moose were observed along the Susi tna River bottomlands,large concentrations of tracks indicated that moose had utilized these areas earlier in the winter.Additionally heavy cover in these low areas decreased the liklihood of observing moose which were present.Large track concentrations were observed at the mouths 74 - ,..." - .... -~ ( \ \ / ,, f 75 x ( .. coa»..=-a e ;:,.. o~ ..II:e ...0 ...0 G»IO _(\I.. E /I ~E_u-..•c;:,.. .,~ 1O~... 1->--.2-,.- 10-..--Cco.=..--..c ;:,II :::u.=a.; QO cCO..-:I 0 'a -• c--o •o -em.. 'a • •>..-_a:---o cu_ 1- o - -:I'a CO-....-.o Co Co -:I- c'a.2 c..-u _ o c....-=u...to..z II II ",c~--c~- I lAl.J([ETNA Relative distribution of moose observed during a winter distribution survey conducted in the Susitna River Hydroelectric Project study area from 4 through 25 March 1980. I I J J I J J LOCATION MAr OCTOOER Ian! J .~ FISH A}l)WILDlIFE SERVICE u.S.OEPAftTLlENT ~~T£RIOR UPPER SUs/TNA RIVER BASiN TWO DAM PLAN J \ I \-".....('\-f7/ ) •JJ ---,----r "T'-~l --1\-/~ o T, t.......,'"\ 61"\''"\. \f}.".""'.....~Q )l:'/.,·~O { "'1-p)-\ I J.1...., ".~ ......---.a........__... ,,- UPPER SUSITNA RIVER PROFILE aNn "'US 110-1111 Cl - J "' Figure 15. J -....J 0\ of Watana Lake,Watana Creek,Jay Creek and the Oshetna River._._.-.----------- -Tracks and subjective observations suggested that most moose had moved from the lowland areas which were covered by relatively deep snow to higher windswept elevations where snow cover was nearly absent. The distribution of winter (Jan.,Feb.and Mar.)observations·of all radio-collared from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 is depicted in Fig.16 while the distribution of summer sightings (June,July and Aug.)is depicted in Fig.17.Comparison of the two distributions suggests that during both seasons moose gener- ally occuEied the same ranges although they were more concen- trated during winter.As mentioned earlier,moose usage of most summer habitats during winter was probably attributed to a greater availability of moose browse due to relatively shallow snow depths.Most of these data were collected during winters 1976-77,1977-78,and 1980-81,all mild winters in terms of total snow depths. - On 26 and 28 March,1981,the Devil Canyon and Watana impoundment areas were intensivelycensused in an attempt to assess the num- ber of moose to be displaced by the reservoirs.The Devil Canyon impoundment (55.6 mi 2 )was counted at a survey intensity of 3.4 min/mi 2 and 28 moose (0.50 moose/mi 2)were observed.A portion (30.6%)of the lower impoundment area was then sampled at an intensity of 8.7 min/mi 2 )to obtain a sightability correction factor.From the intensive census,it was estimated that 94%of the moose had been counted yielding a correction factor of 1.06. Thus,the corrected population estimate for Devil Canyon impound- ment was 30 moose (0.54 moose/mi 2)• The Watana impoundment (72.4 mi 2 )was censused at 3.86 min./mi 2 and 42 moose (0.58 moose/mi 2 )were counted.The intensive flight was conducted at 10 min./mi within 33.1%of the total impoundment area.However,the estimated correction factor (0.71)obtained was lower than 1.0 rendering it useless for calculating a more accurate population estimate.The area,which had randomly been 77 / (' '"\ \/ l,{ ( \ i ,f"" /;/: ..r~' if;\II~ .;d L~.-.,.. l "\. ""''',*\ .........."...\ I \ ~~~ ""_',..r.1 ',....__',J_..~..r \..... * \ ) \ \ \ ••,r'"'-••~, ,/''K'f; ..'~r "'""\ ./ ..... 00 Figure 18.Dlstrlbulion of wln,er (January,February and March)obaervatlQna of radio-collared mooee from 1977 through 1981 In the Helchlna and upper Sualtna River Baslna of Southeenlral Alaaka. (scale:1 em -12500 meteu) J I J I )J J J J .J )J J ,.I I J - \ \. 79 *'*' IIII •o ., o~e:.,,:c 11_ =~--'Oc 011 I 0o~--.,,:s.0..CD--o 0::.-0=-II-.,:m.... II. •>-=-o a::-.,-C 11-::l- Oll:s ::I 0<(1) .".. c • •Q.Q. ::..:S-:S"C:l..,C••·.,C c: ::1- ..,~ -0..-II II e Z e II ::I~.--_c:~0-.--CCO Il ~Oe;-C -=~O -010 ::::I C'iI •0-Ci ~II-e ,.:...0-:;- aI-a;...-::I e III CloU u::.::~ I I I chosen for intensive sampling was classified by stratification flights on a low density moose area while 44%of the Watana im- poundment supported medium to high densities of moose.Therefore the estimate of 42 moose within the Watana impoundment area was not adjusted.The low numbers of moose·occupying the two im- poundments was not surprising since radio-locations suggested most moose were located away from them during this relatively mild winter. Fall Distribution The general distribution of moose in November 1980 was reflected in stratification surveys conducted as part of a census.Both CA's 7 and 14 were stratified from fixed-wing aircraft from 2 through 4 November 1980.The Devil Canyon area was stratified on 29 November and count area 6 on 9 November 1980 using the same criteria which we had used in the Watana area. Moose densities were stratified as high,medium and low based upon relative differences in moose tracks,numbers of moose ob- served and homogeni ty of habitat types.Boundaries of each sample area were based on prominent geographic features which could be identified from fixed-wing aircraft.Figure 18 depicts the relative densities and gross distribution of moose during November 1980.Distribution patterns exhibited by radio-collared moose were similar to those derived from the survey;generally moose densities were greater iIi upland areas located away from the proposed impoundment areas west of Jay Creek but were greater closer to the Watana impoundment east of Jay and Kosina Creeks due to the close proximity of upland areas.The exception to thi s generality was the relatively high density of moose just south of Devils Creek. Fall Sex and Age Composition During October and November in both 1980 and 1981 moose sex and age composition counts were conducted in count areas 6,and 7 80 ~' ..... " - ) LOCATION 1oI'" OCTOBER 1111 FiSH Atf)WILDLIFE SERVICE u.S.DEPARTMENT a'INTERIOR ] UPPER SUSITNA RIVER BASIN TWO DAM PLAN \ I \-J') ~ ('-1/....... ) \ \ l \..,po}/--,-v ~ c=.J-J ""\ ~ \1 } I1.P'CJ L v1 \)-,:> ,.....~ ,_'//"-,,--S-\.."\ ~, I ( """\ l ]11J1 L...,. \ (Sl "'\C '9'.1'"\~"-~Q ....1 l/.,~()\ '9'11 { )-\ I J.,,- \..."r' \ )tlf"~.r'\....I I " ,I \.',,-.......(....._----1\./ L_-/'"" JJ $CAlE o ~10 15 20Milll o DEN~ITY LOW I?fNSITY CENSUS AREA ) ~HIGH DENSITY - I f RlVEll MtLU 120-no Figure lS.Relative densities of moose as determined from stratification and census flights made on 2 through 4,8 and 29 November 1980 in the Susitna River liydroelectric PI:oject study area of southcentral Alaska. IJ ~~~~lW MEDIUMQ DENSITY I .1/'. TALKEETNA J o 0······......,..". ".,,.0\ ~,f' ~~"•..I' 'port' ....s- f 00 f-l I I I (Fig.5).Count area 14 was not counted in 1981.The areas ~-.------_.-~---~ counted corresponded to count areas which have been surveyed annually since 1955.Sex and age composition count data and the resulting ratios for the period 1955 through 1981 are summarized in Tables 15 through 17. History of the Game Management Unit 13 moose population has been described by Rausch (1969),Bishop and Rausch (1975),McIlroy (1974)and Ballard and Taylor (1980).Briefly the GMU 13 popu- lations was increasing in the 1950's and peaked about 1960. After the severe winter of 1961-62,the population began declin- ing and continued to decline with severe winters occurring in 1965-66,1970-71,1971-72,and 1978-79.Fall calf-cow ratios in addition to nearly all other ratios declined sharply and reached a record low for the basin in 1975.Al though the decline was attributed to a variety of factors,predation by wolves was sus- pected of preventing the moose population from recovering during mild winters.Sex and age composition data for CA's 7 and 14 basically have exhibited the same patterns described for the unit.Although only one composition count has been conducted in the Devil Canyon area during this time period,it appears likely that this area has also followed the same general pattern.Be- ginning in 1975 predator densities were experimentally reduced north of the Susitna and Maclaren Rivers and therefore,some of the moose ratios in Tables 15 through 17 may reflect changes in predator densities.However,these changes were not considered significant except in 1979 when calf:100 cow ratios were in- creased in the northern portions of CA 7 due to reductions in brown bear density (Ballard and Spraker 1979;Ballard et ale 1980;Ballard et ale 1981).Since 1975 the moose population ap- pears to have increased slightly or remained stable even though calf survival has remained relatively low. Sex and age composition data derived from stratification surveys, sex-age composition counts,and the random stratified census in fall 1980 varied among the different types of surveys (Table 18). 82 ~I Table 15.Summary of moose sex and age composition data collected annually each fall since 1955 in count area 6 north of the Maclaren River in Game Management Unit 13 of southcentral Alaska. Incidence Tot.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Calves of Twins Calf Animals~-Per Per Per 100 %in Per 100 Per Per 100F %in Per Total Date 100 F 100 F Lq M Herd M Calves 100 F w/calf Herd Hour Sample 1955*84.1 26.1 45.1 11.0 121.0 43.2 5.6 19.0 400 1956*61.6 14.6 31.0 7.7 103.8 28.1 0.0 14.8 50 351 1957*43.3 6.4 17 •..3 3.5 33.3 38.3 10.2 21.1 128 256 1958*44.9 1l.8 35.7 6.4 58.6 40.2 6.9 21.7 114 957 1959 N 0 DATA 1960*57.2 18.7 48.4 9.0 80.5 46.4 4.0 22.4 104 343 1961 70.1 27.3 63.8 12.5 112.8 48.4 16.0 22.2 78 424 1962 44.2 28.3 4.6 16.4 101 414 1963*35.6 11.9 50.0 6.5 51.0 46.6 7.4 25.6 160 798 1964*33.3 5.6 20.0 3.1 25.0 44.4 20.0 25.0 96 96 1965*30.4 9.9 48.1 6.3 76.7 25.8 1.5 16.5 126 806 1966*27.7 5.0 21.9 3.2 35.6 28.0 3.5 17.9 76 658-1967 29.7 5.4 22.1 3.4 37.4 28.8 0.8 18.1 86 681! 1968 29.7 5.0 20.0 3.2 37.6 26.3 2.4 16.9 59 504 1969 35.7 13.6 61.2 7.8 81.1 33.5 2.8 19.3 46 384 1970 26.6 8.7 48.7 6.2 122.6 14.2 6.9 10.1 26 308 r-.1971 30.0 4.2 16.7 2.8 37.0 22.8 3.9 14.9 39 362 1972 10.1 3.8 61.5 2.9 33.3 23.1 0.0 17 .3 38 277 1973 .20.7 7.3 54.8 5.2 77.3 19.0 2.3 13.6 20 324 1974 16.0 .7.8 94.4 5.2 45.3 34.4 9.0 22.9 32 328 1975 17.6 7.8 80.0 5.7 84.2 18.5 5.6 13.6 31 279 1976 20.6 8.5 69.6 5.8 69.6 24.3 4.6 16.8 28 274 1977 16.7 5.6 50.0 3.7 32.9 33.8 13.2 22.4 46 352 1978 24.1 9.1 61.1 6.0 63.8 28.6 11.7 18.8 46 368 1979 14.6 3.0 25.9 2.2 23.7 25.3 9.3 18.1 39 326 1980 15.1 7.5 100.0 5.2 50.6 29.7 8.1 20.5 50 423 1981 26.5 15.9 9.6 82.3 38.6 5.1 23.4 53 530-Remarks:*Area boundary change -check maps 1969 Area 116 - 83 I I I Table 16.Summary of moose sex and age composition data collected annually each fall since "1955 in count area 7 in Game Management Unit 13 of southcentral Alaska. Incidence Tot.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Calves of Twins Calf Animals Per Per Per 100 %in Per 100 Per Per 100F %in Per Total Date 100 F 100 F Lq M Herd M Calves 100 F w/calf Herd Hour Sample 1957 NO DATA 1958 N 0 DATA 1959 .NO DATA 1960 N 0 D A T A 1961 NO DATA 1962 N 0 DATA 1963*47.7 6.2 14.8 3.3 32.0 38.5 0.0 20.7 151 121 1964*39.7 10.7 37.1 6.3 68.4 31.4 2.8 18.4 65 207 1965*59.8 13.7 29.6 7.8 168.4 16.2 0.0 9.2 65 412 1966 48.3 6.3 15.1 3.8 62.8 20.1 0.0 11.9 33 293 1967 41.0 7.0 20.7 4.4 68.3 20.6 2.5 12.8 77 642 1968 N 0 DATA 1969 N 0 DATA 1970 34.7 8.9 34.4 5.0 42.2 42.1 8.6 23.6 43 864 1971 26.3 8.4 47.1 5.3 50.8 33.2 7.1 20.8 50 624 1972 20.6 2.7 15.1 2.0 31.0 17 .5 3.7 12.6 53 665 ~ 1973 21.9 8.2 60.2 6.0 101.0 16.3 2.9 11.8 70 890 1974 12.6 4.2 50.0 3.0 29.6 28.3 6.3 20.1 48 672 1975 10.0 4.3 77 .4 3.4 54.5 15.9 4.8 12.7 38 695 1976 12.3 4.3 54.9 3.2 40.3 21.6 7.1 16.1 46 865 1977 10.8 4.2 64.4 3.0 29.6 28.7 6.0 20.6 60 954 1978 14.8 8.0 117.3 5.9 79.2 20.2 4.1 15.0 65 1030 1979 8.8 2.4 36.6 1.8 20.3 23.3 5.8 17.7 60 838 1980 13.3 7.8 143.2 5.6 62.3 25.1 1.1 17.9 51 946 1981 14.2 5.0 3.4 31.7 31.6 21.7 49 1284 Remarks:*Area boundary change -check maps ~ 1969 Area 117 Caution -early 1965 data used for 1964 :•...;. 84 - Table 17.Summary of moose sex and age composition data collected annually each fall since 1955 in count area 14 in Game Management Unit 13 of southcentral Alaska. Incidence Tot.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Calves of Twins Calf Animals Per Per Per 100 %in Per 100 Per Per 100F %in Per Total Date 100 F 100 F Lq M Herd M Calves 100 F w/calf Herd Hour Sample 1955*105.6 29.6 38.9 10.5 80.8 73.2 10.6 26.0 200 1956 N 0 D A T A 1957 72.5 11.7 19.2 5.2 46.5 50.3 4.9 22.6 127 381 1958*86.8 11.2 14.8 5.0 60.3 37.0 7.4 16.6 98 441 1959 N 0 DATA ~1960*71.7 20.0 38.7 8.6 70.6 56.7 21.4 24.5 38 139 1961*62.0 26.7 75.6 12.2 95.8 55.7 7.6 25.6 173 555 1962 56.3 18.2 47.7 10.1 152.7 23.8 1.8 13.2 92 416 1963 N 0 DATA 1964 N 0 D A T A 1965 28.6 10.8 60.6 7.2 100.0 21.6 0.0 14.4 79 278 1966*20.0 9.0 82.4 5·.9 53.8 33.5 0.0 21.8 63 238 1967 39.0 6.8 21.2 3.9 40.0 34.1 2.9 19.7 118 355 1968*9.4 4.0 75.0 2.8 22.2 36.5 3.8 25.0 154 108 1969 17 .5 6.2 55.2 4.0 31.1 40.1 2.0 25.4 54 405 1970 19.4 3.7 23.5 2.2 16.7 44.4 2.1 25.9 80 185 1971 27.1 8.4 44.7 5.7 81.0 20.7 5.0 14.0 37 300 ~1972 21.4 9.2 75.0 6.2 72.0 25.5 0.0 17.4 54 288 1973 22.0 7.1 47.7 5.1 82.4 17.3 2.0 12.4 56 411 1974 15.4 5.1 50.0 3.4 29.1 35.2 3.7 23.4 40 500 1975 9.9 4.3 78.6 3.3 40.0 21.7 1.9 16.5 65 333 ""'"1976 9.2 4.6 100.0 3.6 46.4 19.9 3.0 15.4 50 447 1077 N 0 DATA 1978 20.5 9.2 80.6 6.6 100.0 18.3 2.0 13.2 50 379 1979 N 0 DATA 1980 13.7 9.6 235.7 7.4 117.9 16.2 3.8 12.5 51 447 1981 N 0 D A T A Remarks:*Area boundary change -check maps ~ :..;d;. 85 --------_._-- i\ Table 18.Comparison of moose sex-age ratios and aggregations derived from three different types of surveys which were conducted in the Susitna River Hydro Project Study Area during 1980. Calves Incidence Tot.M Sm.M Sm.M Sm.M Per Calves of Twins Calf Animals Area Type of Per Per Per 100 %in 100+Per per 100 F %in Per Total Count Sampled Minutes/ Survey Date 100 F 100 F Lq M Herd 2 yr~100 F w/calf Herd Hour Sample Time mi 1/mi 1/ Composition 11/1-3 13.4 8.4 168.6 6.2 25.3 23.1 10.9 16.9 51.4 1393 27.1 945.2 1.7 count Census 11/5-8 13.1 8.0 157.7 5.5 35.0 32.2 11.7 22.1 27.5 742 27.0 365.7 4.4 Stratifica-11/2-4 ------------------581 5.3 945.2 0.3 tion Percent Percent of Percent of of Observed Moose Percent of Moose Moose Comprised of Moose Comprised of 00 x Moose/Group Comprised of Singles Comprised of Pairs Groups of Three Groups of Four or more 0'1 Composition 3.0 5.8 29.3 14.5 50.4 count Census 2.4 8.0 43.4 14.8 33.8 Stratification 2.8 8.3 29.6 16.5 45.6 / 1 I I I J J J J ~I I .J .... In particular,census data indicated the calf:IOO cow ratios gen- ---._.----,--- --- -. erated from composition surveys are lower,while bull:cow ratios are generally higher than observed during the census.This pat- tern has been observed in other areas (Gasaway pers.comm.). Reasons for these discrepancies were due to intensity of the var- ious surveys and the probabilities of observing different moose groupings.For example,cow-calf pairs tend to be in smaller groups in dense vegetation while bulls tend to be in larger -groups in more open habitat.As a result a high proportion of bulls and a low proportion of cows with calves tend to be seen on low intensity surveys such as composition counts.Composition data derived from intensive surveys such as the census are more likely to accurately reflect the true population composi tiona \ Population Estimates CA's 7 and 14 (Fig.5)were intensively censused from 5 through 8 November 1980.A total of 743 moose were censused wi thin 26 sample areascompri sing 366 mi 2.Thus,39 percent of CA's 7 and 14 was directly censused. Table 19 summarizes calculations utilized to estimate the fall moose population in CAts 7 and 14 east of Jay and Kosina Creeks to the Susi tna River in the proj ect area during the census.Of the 945 mi 2 census area,35 percent was classified as low moose densi ty,38 percent as medium moose density and 27 percent as high moose density.Based upon census data,each stratification was estimated to contain the following number of moose/mi 2 : low--1.125,medium-1.847 and high--3.726.The estimated fall population for CA t s 7 and 14 was 1,986 ±371,(90%CI ) . Not all moose were observed at a survey intensity of 4.4 min- utes/mi 2 (Gasaway and Dubois,unpub.report).Consequently,por- tions of 10 sample areas were randomly chosen and were resurveyed, at a sampling intensity of approximately 12 minutes/mi 2 in an effort to generate a sightabili ty correction factor (Table 20). 87 Table 19.Summary of moose census data and subsequent population estimates for Count Areas 7 and 14 derived from surveys conducted from 5 through 8 November 1980 along the Susitna River in southcentral Alaska. Moose Density Stratum Number of sample area censused Total number of sample areas in each stratum Area of each stratum -mi 2 Moose density per stratum Population estimate per stratum Low 11 26 333.8 1.125 375 Medium 9 27 355.3 1.847 656 High 6 18 256.1 3.726 954 Total population estimate 90%CI =1986 +371 Sightability correction factor =1.03 Corrected population estimate =2046 ~382 88 ,..,,, - ~, Table 20.Summary of sample areas resurveyed to determine sightability correction factor for the Susitna moose census conducted from 5 through 8 November 1980 in southcentral Alaska. Stratifi-Time Spent #Moose Observed cation Sample Surveying Intensive Percent-Density Area Quad If Date (min)1st count Count Observability L 21 1 11/7 /80 10 0 0 100% M 49 2 11/8/80 11 12 13 92.3% H 15 11/8/80 31 7 7 100% M 34 2 11/5/80 19 4 4 100% L 9 ?11/5/80 5 est 0 0 100% H 16 3 11/5/80 5 0 0 100% M 71 4 11/6/80 20 10 10 100% H 64 ?11/5/80 5 est 4 4 100% L 47 1 11/6/80 5 est 3 3 100% r-L 23 ?11/6/80 19 0 0 100% Totals 10 11/5-8 130 40 41 98 X 13.0 Correction factor =1.03~ ..... 89 I I I With the additional surveying effort it was estimated that during -~--~----- the census approximately 98 percent of the moose were being ob- served yielding a correction factor of 1.03.Therefore,the cor- rected population estimate for CA's 7 and 14 was 2,046 ±382,(90 percent CI)of which 22 percent were calves. We were unable to census those portions of the study area lying west of Delusion and Kosina Creek because of deteriorating snow conditions.However,on 29 November the areas which had not been censused were stratified in an effort to provide a gross fall population estimate for the study area.A total of 179 moose were observed during 3.6 hours of surveying time.Eight hundred and thirty mi 2 were stratified,of which 562 mi 2 were classified as low moose density,256 mi 2 as medium moose density and only 12 mi 2 as high moose density.The size of each stratum was mul- tiplied by the individual density estimates derived for CA's 7 and 14 (Table 19)to derive a crude population estimate of 1,151 moose.Adding this figure to the population estimate for CA's 7 and 14,the estimated population for the study area west of the Susitna and Oshetna Rivers was approximately 3,197 moose in early November. Using methods similar to those described in the preceding para- graph,relative moose densi ties in CA 6 were also stratified. This was done because CA 6 has a migratory population of moose which overwinter in the vicinity of the mouth of the Oshetna River.On 9 November a total of 205 moose were observed in 3 hours of survey flown in a Piper Super Cub.Relative density and distribution of these moose were depicted in Fig.18.Of the 470 mi 2 stratified,204 mi 2 (43%)were classified as low moose densi ty,207 mi 2 (44%)were classified as medium moose density and only 59 mi 2 (13%)were classified as high moose density. Extrapolating the average moose densities per stratum derived for CA's 7 and 14 (Table 19)to the mi 2 of each stratum in CA 6,we grossly estimated that a'rea's fall moose population at 830 ani- mals. 90 ~- Not all of the potential impact areas were surveyed in 1980 be- F"""cause of high costs and poor survey conditions.These other po- tential impact areas which contain migratory moose include the western Alphabet Hills,the Lake Louise flats,and drainages of Tyone and Sanona Creeks. Calf Production and Survival - - - Calf moose comprised 13 percent of the moose observed during the distribution survey in March 1980.This low calf percentage re- flects poor calf survival during 1979-80 due to predation (both bear and wolf)and perhaps some winter mortality (starvation). Farther upstream above the Denali Highway where both bear and wolf densities had been experimentally lowered (Ballard et al. 1980),calf moose comprised 33 percent of the moose counted in late May 1980,reflecting increased calf survival due to the lower predator densities.Of 32 radio-collared cow moose which were intensively monitored from mid-May through mid-June 1980,19 were subsequently observed with 30 calves for an observed calving rate of 0.94 calves/cow.Fifty-eight percent of the cows pro- ducing calves had twins.These rates of calf production were qui te comparable with those observed in 1977 and 1978 (Ballard and Tobey 1981). Mortality of newborn moose calves in 1980 was high.By 1 August 1980,23 (77%)of the calves were rtti ssing.Rates of 1980 calf loss were compared with those observed in 1977 and 1978 (Fig.19).Although causes of moose calf mortality were not de- termined in 1980,the pattern of loss was quite similar to that observed in 1977 and 1978 where predation by brown bear (Ursus arctos)was responsible for 79 percent of the calf deaths (Ballard et al.1981).Calf mortality appeared to continue at a high level in 1981 as well. 91 MAY J U N E J U L.V AUG ISEPTIOCT CALF OF COLLARED COW -1980 RADIO-COLLARED CALF -1977 -78 CALF OF RADIO-COLLARED COW- 1977 -'78 x-···.It •• o---.Q 5 - 9 "10-14 "15-19"20-24 25-29"30 - 3 Aug "Sept .Oct26-30"31 -4"5 - 9 "10-14 "15-19 80 40 60 29 100 1 I I I I I;I I I I I I II I ....'I ..__.»-,---<>--;:-,-<>--_1::-'-~ ._0----<>-•••.~-I .........K•••••••X· po __-0--_Q ,.'.-~ l".....'.•••'"' .'I'0".'.I'.........' •....I rf ..I 'I././ .·d../ I!/ /.• '"lI:.'. I :I • I : ,,'..i I .... /)l •• / / / d >- I--.J < I- 0: 0 ::E u. 0 UJ (!J < 1.0 l- N Z UJ () 0: Wa.. W>-J-« -.oJ => :2 ::::> () J J J Figure ,) 19.Dates of mortalities of collared and uncollared moose calves d~ring 1977,1978 and 1980 in the Nelchina and upper Susitna Basins,Alaska (modified from Ballard et all 1981). }I J J •a a J J 1 J I ,.... - - - .- During the 1981 calving season we did not monitor radio-collared moose intensively enough to document parturition dates and rates of calf loss.However,of the 46 sexually mature cow moose which could have produced calves only 20 (43.5%)were observed with calves.Four (20%)produced twins.The calving rate for known producers was 1.2 calves/cow .Of the 24 known calves,14 (58.3%) were missing by 28 July.This pattern of calf loss is quite sim- ilar to that of 1977, 1978,and 1980 when predation by bears ac- counted for most of the losses.However,overall calf survival may have improved in 1981. Calf:100 cow ratios in count areas 6 and 7 were the highest since 1964 and 1971,respectively.Reasons for the large in- creases are unknown but may be due merely to differences in moose movements,observer differences,survey conditions which would resul t in high probabilities of observing calf:cow pairs,and perhaps a slight increase in survival.Problems with the sex-age composition data may best be represented by the change in moose age structure and total number in count area 7 from 1980 to 1981 (Tables 15 and 16).In 1980 a total of 178 calves and 766 adults were observed,while in 1981 a total of 1006 adults were obser- ved.Assuming that all of the calves in 1980 survived winter 1980-81,which is unlikely (Ballard etal in press),the total number of adults in 1981 should have been 844 instead of 1006. Therefore 21.1 percent of the increase in total numbers of adults can not be explained based upon 1980 data. Subpopu1ations Based upon moose movements studies conducted from 1976 through 1981 approximately 13 subpopulations of moose in the vicinity of the proposed proj ect area can be identified.For purposes of this report we define a subpopulation as a group of moose which utilize similar winter and summer range moving to and from such areas in general synchrony.Generally,individuals of these sub- populations breed and calve in the same area.It should be pointed out,however,that under this definition subpopulations 93 are not entirely discrete and many gradations between them exist. The subpopulations in the vicinity of the proposed impoundments are as follows: (1)Devil Canyon to Upper Fog and Deadman Creeks Subpopulations. This subpopulation consists of moose which have relatively small home ranges with overlapping summer and winter home ranges.Some moose from thi s subpopulation probably never utilize the area to be inundated while for others the Susitna River runs through the middle or borders the annual home range.No migratory moose are known to occur in thi s area. (2)Upper Tsisi and Upper Fog Creek to Susitna River Sub population.This relatively small subpopulation is com- prised of moose which migrate short distances between winter and summer range.They may share summer and winter range wi th relatively sedentary (non-migratory)moose. (3)Kosina Creek Subpopulation.For the most part this rela- tively small group of moose appear non-migratory and appear to occupy relatively small home ranges along the creek bot- toms.It is possible based upon the movements of one calf, than an unknown sized segment of this subpopulation migrates down Kosina,crosses the Susi tna River,proceeds up Jay Creek and possibly calves at Coal Creek. (4)Watana Creek -Monahan Flats Subpopulation.An apparently small subpopul~tion of migratory moose periodically spend late winter and spring in the vicinity of the area between the mouths of Jay and Watana Creeks depending upon winter severi ty.In late spring this group migrates to Monahan Flats for calving where they remain through summer.In October they return to Watana Creek where they either remain through winter or they return to Monahan Flats,again ap- parently dependant upon winter severi ty. 94 - ~i - - (5)Watana Creek -(nonmigratorY)Subpopu1ation.Thi s subpopu- 1ation consists primarily of nonmigratory moose which occupy the drainages of Watana Creek.This subpopulation sometimes shares winter and summer range with the migratory Monahan Flats subpopulation,Watana Creek migratory moose,and moose which migrate back and forth from Watana to Coal Creek. (6)Watana Creek -(migratory)Subpopulation.Moose from this subpopulation migrate from winter to summer range following the drainage of Watana Creek to upper Butte Creek.The de- gree of overlap with other subpopulations probably depends upon winter severity. (7)Watana -Coal Creek Subpopulation.This migratory subpopu- lation was not detected until late in 1981.Moose from this group apparently winter in the vicinity of the mouth of Watana Creek and then migrate to upper Jay and Coal Creeks for calving.They generally remain in the latter area through summer and return to Watana Creek in late summer or fall.One moose from this subpopulation made a series of movements which either were atypical for moose from this area or may indicate the presence of an additional migratory subpopulation.Moose 668 resided from March through September 1981 in the uplands between Watana and Jay Creeks. By early October she had moved to Jay Creek.Between 5 Oct. and 17 Nov.1981 she had moved north to the mouth of Windy Creek,perhaps for breeding,and then returned to Coal Creek.By early Dec.1981 she had returned to Jay Creek. (8)Jay -Kosina Creeks to mouth of Clearwater Creek Subpopu- lation.This subpopulation consists primarily of nonmigra- tory moose with relatively small home ranges.Considerable overlap in total home range occurs between individuals. Moose from this subpopulation usually share winter or summer range with migratory subpopulations from the following areas:Oshetna River,Black River,Maclaren River,Clear- water Creek,Butte Creek and Watana Creek. 95 I Ii (9)Migratory Black and Oshetn~River Subpopulation.Moose from this relatively important subpopulation appeared to spend fall and winter in the upland areas.During early spring they migrated down the respective drainages to lowland areas for calving. (10)Migratory Clearwater Creek Subpopulation.Thi s subpopula- tion of moose generally summer in the Clearwater Mountains. During late October or November this group migrates south- ward and winters in the vicinity of the mouth of Clearwater Creek to the big bend in the Susi tna River. Calving for this subpopulation occurs either on the winter range or between winter and summer range.Winter range is shared with both migratory and sedentary moose from several other subpopulations. (11)Migratory Malclaren River moose has movement patterns the Clearwater subpopulation. Subpopulation.This group of similar to those described for (12)Butte Creek Subpopulation.Moose from this subpopulation generally reside and calf on Butte Creek and adjoining areas through summer and migrate down the Susi tna River to the vicinity of the big bend.Winter range is shared with sev- eral other subpopulations.Moose from this subpopulation do not always migrate to winter range,instead they winter on summer range during mild winters. (13)Migratory Lake Louise Flats -Susitna River Subpopulation. Moose from this subpopulation usually winter in the vicinity of the big bend of the Susitna River.During early spring migration to calving areas on the flats usually occurs. Successful cows often remain on the flats through summer, returning to.the Susitna River in fall. 96 ~, - Moose Di spersal Although the original objectives of this study did not encompass this aspect of moose biology,some preliminary information was obtained in 1981 from the collaring and relocating of sixteen 10 month old calves of radio-collared adults.At least 4 of 16 calves dispersed from the cows home range between March and December 1981.These movements were.particularily interesting because they demonstrate the distances that moose from the im- \ poundment area may travel suggesting that moose populations else- where in Unit 13 may partially depend on an influx of moose from the study area.Reductions in dispera1 due to the project could significantly affect hunting and moose population dynamics in areas far removed fromthe main impact area. The movements of these four moose are briefly described: (1)Male calf 672 of.cow 671.Both cow and calf were captured at standing Bear Lake in March 1981.Both traveled eastward reaching Coal Creek by mid-August where they both remained together until early October.After which,the cow returned to Jay Creek while the calf proceeded northward to the mouth of Windy Creek.The cow continued to move down Jay Creek to Watana Creek where she arrived by early December.The calf on the other hand returned to Coal Creek by mid-November where he remained at least through mid-December. (2)Male calf 674 of cow 673.Both were captured near the mouth of Watana Creek in March 1981.Unfortunately the cow slip- ped its collar shortly after capture but both remained in association near Watana Creek until late May.By late May the calf moved to upper Jay Creek where he remained without the cow unti 1 at least 10 September.Between 10 September and 1 October 1981 he moved northward,again unaccompanied by the cow,to the mouth of Windy Creek.He remained in the area between Windy and Clearwater Creeks above the Denali Highway from October through early December 1981 when this report was prepared. 97 I I I (3)Female calf 685 of cow 692.Both were captured near the --_.- - - ---- ---- mouth of Watana Creek where they remained at least through the end of March.Between late March and 16 May both had moved to Coal Creek where they maintained a lose association while the cow gave birth to a new calf.The cow remained at Coal Creek to 1 October.During October the cow moved down Jay Creek and returned to the mouth of Watana Creek by mid- December 1981.Last years calf,however,traveled north to the big bend of the Maclaren River between 1 October and mid-December 1981.By 19 December 1981 it was located near Crazy Notch,north of the Denali Highway near the Maclaren River. Home Ranges of Moose Seasonal and total home range sizes for 162 radio-collared moose studied in GMU-13 from October 1976 through mid-August 1981 are presented in Appendix B.Areas inhabited by radio-collared moose were relatively large averaging 224.2 km 2 (87 mi 2 ).ranging from 3.8 (1.5 mi 2 )to 2011 km 2 (1124 mi 2 ).Table 21 summarizes home range sizes by sex and age class of radio-collared moose.Al- though many of the sex-age comparisons may not be valid because of small sample sizes the comparisons suggest that large differ- ences in home range sizes exist.Two-year old females'had the largest seasonal and total home range size.In terms of total home range sizes in order of decreasing size the order by sex-age class was as follows :adult females,male calves,female calves, 2 yr.old bulls and adult"bulls. However,there were no significant differences (P~0.05)with total home range sizes or maximum lengths between sexes or age classes. LeResche (1974)reported that seasonal home ranges of moose were consistently small regardless of how far a moose moved between seasons.For convenience of analysis for this report we divided seasons into summer (Apri I,May,June,July,August and 98 - - J 1 1 1 1 i 1 J --]J i )])1 Table 21.Summary by sex and age class of seasonal and total home range sizes for radio-collared moose studied in the Nelchina and upper Susitna River Basin from October 1976 through mid-August 1981. 2 Winter Home Range(km2)2 2SexAgeSummerHomeRange(km )Total Home Range(km )Length of Home Range(km ) ----x St.D N x St.D N x St.Dev.N x St.Dev.N Male Calf 41.9 58.7 6 108.1 106.1 21 196.4 257.3 27 29.3 18.6 27 Male 2 yr.65.6 -1 ---- -- 147.9 57.1 1 31.3 19.4 1 Male Adult 59.2 28.6 3 25.2 22.1 3 97.1 21.9 4 18.6 3.9 4 .::.3 yr. Female Calf 39.3 61.1 18 134.1 149.8 30 187.5 280.2 40 32.7 20.7 40 Female 2 yr.443.2 455.1 3 292.9 321.7 3 377 .6 575.6 5 27.4 27.8 5 Female .::.3 yr.148.7 236.7 76 123.6 299.8 73 248.2 449.7 85 27.1 23.9 85 \,() \,()TOTALS 129.3 222.2 107 125.2 244.0 130 224.2 381.3 162 28.7 22.0 162 September)and winter (October,November,December,January, February and March)which by strict definition would not allow us to compare Susitna seasonal home range sizes with those reported elsewhere in North America.However,a preliminary analysis of seasonal home ranges where migration points were excluded sug- gested that GMU 13 moose have significantly larger home ranges than those reported in the literature (Ballard and Taylor 1980). Ballard et.al.(1980)and Ballard and Taylor (1980)compared the summer home ranges of cow moose accompanied by calves with those reported elsewhere in North America and found that Unit 13 ranges were substantially larger.They also determined that predator densi ties influenced the movements and subsequently the home range sizes of the cow-calf pairs.The large seasonal and total home range sizes reported in our studies probably reflect an adaptation by moose to exploit habitats which are only seasonally available. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON MOOSE BY SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Winter Habitat Loss -The most obvious impact of the proposed project is loss of habitat,primarily through inundation but also through construction of project facilities such as roads,borrow pi ts,camps,etc.The normal pattern is for moose to occupy habitats at lower elevations during winter.Cows with calves use such areas more heavily than do bulls.The deeper the snow the heavier the use of lowland areas.Severe winters frequently cause population declines in moose.Therefore,lowland winter range is generally considered critical habitat for moose even though it might not be heavi ly used every year.Observations made during the winter of 1974-75 (U.S.F&W1975)suggested that this pattern held true in the vicinity of the proposed impound- ments. We have not observed this pattern during this study.Snow depths have been less than normal and have in fact been shallower .at higher elevations than below the levels of the proposed impound- ments.Moose appear to have actually moved to higher elevations and use of the areas to be inundated has been light. 100 ~ ! ~I ~the may and and - """' .- - A key question is what happens during a more severe winter when -~--"--_.._.- - - - snow depths are greater at higher elevations.Avai lable infor- mation is inadequate to answer this question.It seems certain that during severe winters,use of the impoundment areas,par- ticularly the portion of the area that would be flooded by the Watana Dam,is greater than observed in March 1981.However, until weare able to observe moose movement under deeper snow conditions,we will not be able to predict how much grelater that use is. Limited observations made by plant ecology studies (Subtask 7.12) personnel suggest that habitat within the Watana impoundment area may not support greater use by moose.They suggested that in November 1980 willow stands along Watana Creek and portions of the Susitna River within the Watana impoundment area had already been heavily browsed by moose (Univ.of Alaska,Ag.Exp.Stat. 1981)•They continued,"consequently,it appears that browse supplies in the bottoms of the Susitna River Canyon and its trib- utaries may already be depleted before they would have much value asa browse reserve in late winter or during severe winters"(op. ci t.).Although no data were presented on available browse, browse utilization,browse vigor or pellet groups this possibi- lity can not be overlooked.More complete studies of the habitat are required. The fact that current annual growth of maj or browse species has been consumed by fall does not necessarily mean an area has lost its value as critical range during a severe winter.Little is known about the ability of an overbrowsed range to sustain moose during a severe winter.If deep snows drive moose to the lowland areas where the current years growth has already been removed, the remaining forage may be sufficient to prevent a total loss of population even though significant mortality from starvation occur.Consequently,our knowledge of the movement patterns habitat utilization of Susitna moose during a severe winter our knowledge of the capacity of habitat to support moose during a severe winter are inadequate to draw meaningful conclu- sions. 101 I I I, However,in 1978-79,a severe winter,while capturing short-year- ling moose in the Oshetna and Tyone River areas for mortality studies,we observed a number of starved moose (Ballard and Gardner 1981). Survival of moose was much higher in riparian areas than in up- land or flat lowland areas.We suspect survival of moose will be higher during a severe winter along the Susi tna River than in many other habi tats found in the area. Spring Habitat Loss -We found that moose use of impoundment areas was greatest in spring and early summer.This may be a response to earlier snow melt and vegetation emergence at lower elevations.This is a critical period for moose,especially fol- lowing severe winters.Moose tend to have a negative energy balance during winter.Their physiologic condition deteriorates usually reaching a low point around April.This trend is abrup- tly reversed when melting snow and new plant growth greatly in- crease the quantity and quality of available food.In a nutri- tionally stressed population,many moose may be near the point where their survival or,in the case of pregnant cows,their unborn calf's survival is in question.If availability of emer- gent vegetation is delayed,either by climatic conditions or loss of habitat where emergence is early,the population may suffer significant mortality. Habitat Alteration -While there is some doubt as to the impor- tance of habitat that will be inundated,there is little doubt that many areas immediatley adjacent to the impoundments are ex- tremely important.There are several mechanisms that could alter some of these habi tats. For example,Henry (1965)predicted changes in precipitation would occur in portions of the Yukon Basin following the creation of Rampart Dam Reservoir.Also,in more southerly locales it has been demonstrated that large bodies of water influence the local environment;in effect,lengthening the fall season and delaying 102 """I - - spring.Although the two pr~pC?s~_ct._~m:po~_n~ents are relatively small in relation to the Rampart Project,small changes in cli- mate might be more pronounced because of the steepness of the Susitna River Valley.Climatic changes may result in either more precipi tation in terms of snow fall or a lengthening of spring thaw and a resulting delay in spring greenup.The climatic ef- fects of the two impoundments could be highly detrimental to the large number of moose which utilize portions of the Basin within 5 miles of the project shoreline.As no studies have been under- taken to predict the effects of the impoundments on climate,we can not estimate the magni tude of their impact. Some changes in vegetation are likely along the fringes of the impoundments.These might be beneficial to moose if the new plant community is comprised of desirable browse species.There will be a zone above the normal .maximum level of the Watana im- poundmentthat would flood only during extremely wet years.This might be conducive to growth of some species beneficial for moose such as willow.Also soil moisture conditions might create new riparian areas.Since no information is available on the effects of the impoundments on shoreline vegetation,any conclusions on their effect on moose is speculative. Filling of the impoundments is likely to displace moose into sur- rounding habitat.Unless the moose population is below carrying capacity of the remaining habitat,there will be overbrowsing of"".. this adjacent habitat until the population adjusts.Overbrowsing could reduce the carrying capacity for some period of time.The extent and duration of this reduction in carrying capacity de- pends on many factors which have not been studied.This impact would be temporary but could last from a few years to several decades. Blockage of Migration -Our studies document a number of cros- sings of the Susi tna River by moose.These crossings were most common during periods pf migration.A number of our radio-col- lared moose displayed home ranges which would be bisected by the 103 I Ii proposed impoundments.Moose attempting to migrate across the impoundments would encounter either open water or uncertain ice conditions.While some moose are still likely to cross impound- ments particularly later in the winter,the option of having sea- sonal ranges on both sides of an impoundment is likely to be lost. Several subpopulations of moose are known to rely on migrations across the impoundments.Therefore,blockage of migration ap- pears to be a problem which will limit the·abili ty of individual moose to adapt to an otherwise stressful situation such as local- ized overpopulation or severe winters. Hazards -Mud and ice shelving around the Watana impoundment is likely to create hazards to moose.There are numerous instances where moose have been mired in mud or injured or killed by falls on ice. Perhaps more important is the role these hazards might play in increasing vulnerability to predators.Wolves commonly kill moose at the edges of lakes suggesting that such areas facilitate hunting by wolves.The presence of ice 'shelves might further benefi t the wolves.Our data indicate that densities of moose near the shore of the Watana impoundment are likely to be high in certain areas.The rate of predation by wolves,and possibly bears,could be significantly higher than in the absence of the impoundment. Other hazards are likely to be created by construction of project facilities.Moose-vehicle collisions are likely to occur where roads pass through moose wintering concentrations.Routing of access roads and control of traffic levels will be major factors determining the seriousness of this problem. Vulnerability to Hunting -The vicinity of the proposed impound- ments is relatively lightly hunted because of limited access. There is some evidence that such areas help sustain harvest levels in adj acent accessible areas through dispersal. 104 Roads to the impoundments will greatly increase access by highway -----<~---~- vehicle,ATV,boat and aircraft.There are already indications that hunting and trapping effort in the area have increased simply because workers at the Watana became familiar with the area and tended to return to the area.We can expect a substan- tial increase of interest in the area by the thousands of workers that will be brought in during construction and operation of the project. F ! ..... Hunting and trapping can be controlled through existing State regulatory mechanisms.However,the risk of localized or short term overharvest will be increased and management of moose is likely to become less flexible.We can expect more restrictive regulations over a large portion of the Basin. Numbers of Moose to be Impacted by Susitna Hydroelectric Develop- ment. Because the mechanisms of impact of the Susitna Project on moose are likely to be complex and often indirect,it is difficult to accurately delineate a zone of impact and to estimate the number of moose that will be impacted.First,·it is necessary to define an impact.Impacts can range from the permanent loss of the capacity of a habitat to support some number of animals,or even to support a population,to short term inconvenience to an in- dividual animal.For the purposes of this discussion we are con--cerned with impacts that are likely to affect the size or pro- ductivity of the population.Impacted individuals would be ef- fectively removed from the population,would be less capable of successfully reproducing under stressful conditions such as se- vere winters,or would have a shorter life expectancy due to en- vironmental factors such as severe winters,predation or hazards. We can assume that all moose whose entire home range falls within areas that will be inundated will be lost.As we move away from the impoundments we would expect a progressiv~ly smaller propor- tion of moose to experience progressively less severe impacts. 105 I I I Therefore,based upon the observed movements of moose,the con- ------------"- tinuum of impacts ranges from the impoundment areas to approxi- mately 110 miles (177 km)away from them.We have classified all impacts into three broad categories.Impact categories include: (1)severe impacts -moose which reside in the impoundment area or which spend significant portions of their life in close proxi- mity to them ( 5 miles)will be subjected to all of the identi- fied impacts in the previous section at their most severe inten- sity.Moose which fall into this category will suffer high rates of mortality,decreased natality and probably disruption of move- me~ts and dispersal;(2)moderate impacts -moose which are sub- jected to this level of impact do not reside in the impoundment area but do spend portions of the year in areas which would in- directly be influenced by the effects of the project.All of the mechanisms of impact identified in the previous section would exist but crowding,vulnerability to predation,blockage of mi- gration and lower dispersal rates appear most important.Moose in this category would be expected to suffer lower rates of pro- ductivity and higher rates of mortality than before the project but the magnitude would be less than those which would be severe- ly impacted;(3)slight impact -moose in this category would be affected indirectly by the proj ect to varying but unknown de- grees.All of the mechanisms of impact may operate on these moose but the severity will be much less than those in the severe or moderate category and thus the impacts may not even be .detect- able. To estimate the numbers of moose which could be impacted both severely and moderately by the project we determined the average maximum length of total home range sizes for 162 radio-collared moose for which 4 or more observations had been made (Table 21 and Appendix B.).Based upon this analysis we determined that the average length of a total home range for all radio-collared moose of both sex and all age classes was 28.7 km2 (17.8 mi.). We applied the measurement to the proposed impoundments and plot- ted this distance from the impoundment.We used the resulting area to determine moose which would be moderately affected by 106 .... - ~1, /"''" ! r ~ I - construction and operation of the proposed project.Further ref- erence to this area will refer to the zone of impact (ZI).We also delineated a 5 mile zone from the edge of the impoundment, which roughly correlated to 1/3 of a moose home range,which we believed all residing moose would be severly impacted by con- struction and operation of the project.Specific delineations around borrow pits and access routes were not made.The 5-mile zone is referred to as the severe impact area (SIA). Boundaries of the ZI and SIA were overlaid onto the boundaries of the area for which moose population estimates were made in 1980 (Fig.17).The original stratification and census boundary re- ported in the first annual report (Ballard et.al.1980)was ex- panded for thi s analyses to include an adj acent area which was also censused 1980 another study (Ballard et.al.in press).The combined population estimate for fall 1980 was 4,500 moose. Individual total home range polygons for 167 radio-collared moose were overlaid on Fig.17.The numbers of moose wi thin portions of their home range in the area estimated to contain 4,500 moose in fall 1980 were tallied.Of the 167 moose for which home range polygons existed,19 had home ranges which fell outside the area of interest.Of the 148 moose contained within the census and ZI boundaries,100 of them had polygons which completely or par- tially overlapped the ZI while 79 completely or partially over- lapped the SIA.The percentage proportions of radio-collared moose which overlapped the ZI and SIA were applied to the popu- lation estimate of 4,500 moose.This resulted in an estimate of 3,040 moose which seasonally or annually occupy the area within one home range of the impoundment or the ZI (zone of impact). These latter moose would be moderately,impacted by the project. Of that total an estimated 2,402 moose completely overlapped or had portions of their home range within 5 miles of the impound- ment (SIA)and these moose would be severely impacted by the pro- ject. Several biases exist with the methods utilized to estimate the 107 Iii number of moose to be severly or moderately impacted by the pro- - -_._~,-~._-- posed project.Perhaps,most importantly,the method assumes that all areas within the census area received equal capture ef- fort.Although this assumption can not be entirely fulfilled, the initial capture and distribution of radio-collars was gener- ally based upon the distribution and density of moose present during a given capture year.Admittedly capture efforts in spring 1980 and spring 1981 were focused on areas immediately adj acent to the impoundments.For that reason and because of moose movements information,the area above the Denali Highway was added to the analysi,s.The addition of the area with its relatively large numbers of radio-collared moose which did not overlap the ZI or the SIA helped to reduce or even reverse the initial capture biases.Without the addition (correction),the estimates for numbers of moose occupying the ZI and SIA would have been 3,300 and 2,607,respectively.The analysis also as- sumes that immigration and emigration of moose were equal.Al- though too few moose have been captured outside of the area to measure immigration the preliminary analysis of movement data suggests that a significant number of yearling moose may emigrate from the area. An additional criticism of the methods used in thi s section are that moose which have very small portions of the home range with- in the impact areas are given equal weight with those which have most or all of their home range in the area.This argument could be valid except that moose which become displaced from the reser- voir area will then be competing for home range space with those moose which have small areas wi thin the impact zone. Regardless of the biases associated with this method we believe it provides a minimum estimate of the numbers of upstream moose which will be severely or moderately impacted by the project. No attempt was made to enumerate the numbers of moose which would be slightly impacted.In conclusion,we estimate that 2,400 moose would be severely impacted by the project and an additional 900 would be moderately impacted. 108 fII!!'W; , PROPOSED STUD IES FOR PHASE I I Phase I studies have identified a number of potential impacts that construction and operation of the project would have on moose.It also has identified a number of areas where additional information is necessary before a complete evaluation of the pro- ject's effects on moose can be made.The following study seg- ments have been designed to fulfill the additional data require- ~ ments. The importance of the two proposed impoundment areas to both mi- grant and sedentary moose during a severe winter has been a topic of much speculation during Phase I studies.Determining the im- portance of the project area to the several identified subpopula- tions of moose during severe winter conditions is necessary.To accomplish this objective we propose that moose studied in Phase I be recollared early in Phase II and that they be monitored bi- monthly to determine their location during a severe winter.Win- ter severity will be determined by continued monitoring of snow depths at established snow courses and weather station data. When winter conditions become severe the identified zone of im- pact will be intensively censused so that the numbers of moose which would be impacted by the project during severe winter con- di tions can be determined. -. While the above-mentioned studies are in progress,a more con- certed effort should be made to determine habitat use by moose in relation to plant availability.This will require a redirection of Phase I plant studies so that they focus on important moose habitat types.Concurrently with vegetation studies a moose food habits study should be initiated to determine the seasonal impor- tant of different plant species.Willows appear to constitute a significant portion of the winter diet but relatively little is known concerning the diet during the remaining seasons.Food habits will be investigated through a combination of pellet anal- yses,analyses of rumen contents,and from ground observations of moose. 109 During Phase I studies,an attempt was made to determine if dis- persal of juvenile moose from the project area could be an impor- tant aspect of moose biology which potentially could be impacted by the project.During the first year following the capture and collaring of 16 calves,at least 4 (25%)have made significant dispersals away from the project area.Additional dispersals will probably occur during the calves'second and third year of life.Therefore,it appears that dispersal of juvenile moose could be significantly impacted by the proj ect.Reductions in the magnitude of dispersal observed thus far could significantly affect the population dynamics of moose which are far removed from the project area and consequently could affect human hunting success in other areas.To acquire additional information on this important aspect of moose biology the surviving calves of radio-collared cows should be captured in fall 1982 and 1983 and monitored bimonthly concurrently with the cows for a minimum of 2 years. During Phase I studies,mortality of calves of radio-collared cows was quite high.Earlier studies in other areas of south- central Alaska documented predation by brown bears as the most important neonatal mortality factor.The latter study areas were not inhabited by black bear and generally had lower wolf dens- ities than those in the study area.Therefore,calf mortality in the project area could be attributable to 3 species of predators. Determination of the amount of moose calf mortality attributable to each predator species is necessary to evaluate the project's effects on both predator and prey.Although a number of justifi- cations exist for pursuing a calf mortality study in relation to the impoundments,one potential ramification concerns determining the extent of mortality attributable to black bears.If black bears constitute a maj or source of calf mortality,a decreased black bear population due to flooding of den sites potentially could increase calf moose survival in the areas immediately adja- cent to the impoundments.The same may also be true for brown bear and wolf predation.To determine the exact causes of moose calf mortality we propose that 75 newborn moose calves be cap- 110 ~I - ...... .... I - - tured and radio-collared in 1983 and 1984.Survival and deter- mination of causes of mortality should be monitored through each summer. All discussions concerning mitigation of impacted moose habitat have focused on either controlled burning or crushing as tools for compensating for moose losses.Al though biologists generally agree that fire and/or crushing appear to benefit vegetation for moose,little quantitiative data exist on the degree,magnitude, or timing of a moose population response.Information on these parameters in several habitat types is necessary to determine the size,duration,anticipated costs,and anticipated results before a mitigation program can realistically be designed or imple- mented.We propose that a study be initiated in the upper Susitna Basin to investigate these questions.The initial study could consist of an evaluation of a planned management burn by the Bureau of Land Management in fall 1982 and 1983.Minimally, this evaluation should consist of determination of moose numbers and distribution during winter prior to and after the burn. These objectives would be accomplished by conducting a series of moose distribution surveys,an intensive census,and capture and radio-collaring of several moose to determine the numbers and distribution of moose in and adjacent to the area before and after the fire.The immediate response of moose inhabitating the burned area would be determined by monitoring 15 adult moose which would be captured and radio-collared immediately before the burn is initiated.They would be monitored daily while the burn was in progress and monthly afterwards. In order for the burns to be successful in terms of benefits to the moose population,it is imperative that calf survival im- prove.If observation of the radio-collared cow moose do not demonstrate an improvement in calf survival,a small calf mor- tali ty study should be conducted to determine causes of mortal- ity. 111 II,:I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A large number of individuals from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)participated in various aspects of the project and it would be difficult to give each individual recognition. Paul Arneson,Enid Goodwin,Dennis McAllister,Sterling Miller and Robert Tobey all participated in the tagging operation. David Harkness aged moose teeth. Vern Lofstedt,Kenai Air Service,piloted the helicopter and par- ticipated in the processing of many of the immobilized animals. Alfred Lee,Lee's Air Taxi,and Kenneth Bunch Sportsman's Flying Service,piloted fixed-wing aircraft both during the tagging op- eration and during monitoring acti vi ties.The experience and helpful cooperation of these individuals contributed greatly to the success of this project. William Gasaway and Stephen Dubois,both ADF&G,advised us on the use of their census technique for estimating moose numbers.Bill also advised and participated in the census.SuzAnne Miller, ADF&G,participated in the stratification flights and advised on various statistical procedures.Other ADFScG members participa- ting in the moose surveys included Sterling Eide,Dennis McAllister,and Sterling Miller.We also acknowledge the assis- tance provided by the following pilots:Both Kirk and Lynn Ellis,Don Deering,Ken Bunch and Al Lee.Jeffrey Coffin,R Sc M Consul tants,assi sted with determining sui table locations and wi th installing the snow depth markers. Danny Ancti I,Steve Albert and Larry Van Dae Ie (all ADFScG)as- sisted with data analysis and with preparation of figures.Carol Reidner (ADFScG)prepared the final figures. We would also like to acknowledge the assistance and cooperation of Granville Cooley,Watana Camp Manager. Karl Schneider,ADFScG,provided guidance and support throughout the project and made a number of helpful suggestions for improv- ingthis report. 112 - - REFERENCES *Bailey,T.N.,A.W.Franzmann,P.D.Arneson,and J.L.Davis. 1978.Kenai Peninsula moose population identity study. Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Proj. Final Rep.,W-17-3,5,6,7,8,and 9.84pp. *Ballard,W.B.,and K.P.Taylor.1978.Upper Susitna River-moose population study.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed. Aid in Wild1.Rest.Proj.Final Rep.,W-17-9 and 10,Job r- ! 1.20R.61pp. *,T.H.Spraker,and K.P.Taylor.1981.Causes of neonatal moose calf mortality in southcentral Alaska.J. Wildl.Manage.45(2):335-342. *and T.Spraker.1979.Unit 13 wolf studies. Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.P-R Proj.Rep.,W-17-8,Jobs 14.8R,14.9R and 14.10R.90pp. *,and K.P. population study. Final Rep.,W-17-9, Taylor.1980.Upper Susitna Valley moose Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.P-R Proj. W-17-10,and W-17-11.102pp. *,S.D.Miller,and T.H.Spraker.1980.Moose calf----------- morta1i ty study.Alaska Dept.Fi sh and Game.P-R Pro j . Final Rep.,W-17-9,W-17-10,W-17-11,and W-21-1.123pp. *and C.L.Gardner.1980.Nelchina yearling moose mortality study.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.P-R Proj. Rep.,W-17-11,and W-21-1.22pp. *and R.W.Tobey.1981. of moose immobilized wi th anectine. 113 Decreased calf production Wi1dl.Soc.Bull. *1981.Gray wolf-brown bear relationships in the --~-- Nelchina Basin of southcentral Alaska.F.H.Harrington and P.C.Paquet,Co.Eds.In Wolves of the World.Noyes Pub., New Jersey. ___________,C.L.Gardner,and S.D.Miller.In press.Nelchina yearling moose mortality study.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.P.R.Proj.Final Rop.,W-17-11 and W-214.67pp. Barry,T.W.1961.Some observations of moose at Wood Bay and Bathurst Peninsula,N.W.T.Can.Field Nat.75(3):164-165. Berg,W.G.1971.Habitat use,movements,and activity patterns of moose in northwestern Minnesota.98pp.(Unpubl.). *Bishop,R.H.,and R.A.Rausch.1974.Moose population fluc- tuations in Alaska,1950-1072.Naturaliste Can.101:559- 593. *Didrickson,J.C.,D.Cornelius,and J.Reynolds.1977.South- central moose population studies.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Proj.Rept.W-17-6,7,and 8.Job 1.12R.6pp. *,and K.P.Taylor.1978.Lower Susitna Valley moose population identify study.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game. Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Proj.Rept.W-17-8,and 9.Job 1.16R.Final Rept.20pp. *Faro,J.,and A.W.Franzmann.1978.Productivity and physi- ology of moose on the Alaska Peninsula.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Proj.Rept.W-17-9,and 10.Job 1.22R.29pp. 114 - *Franzmann,A.W.,and P.D.Arneson.1973.Moose Research 60pp.(multi1ith). Center Studies.Alaska Dept. Wildl.Rest.Proj.Rept.W-17-5. Fi sh and Game.Fed.Aid in - *P.D.Arneson,R.E.LeResche,and J.L.Davis. 1974.Development and.testing of new techniques for moose management.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed.Aid in Wildl. Rest.Proj.Final Rept.W-17-2,3,4,5,and 6.54pp. - - r ,A.Flynn,and P.D.Arneson.1975.Levels of some------ mineral elements in Alaskan moose hair.J.Wildl.Manage. 39(2}:374-378. R.E.LeResche,P.D.Arneson,and J.L.Davis. 1976.Moose productivity and physiology.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Proj.Final Rept. W-17-2,3,4,5,6,and 7.87pp. *and,R.E.LeResche.1978.Alaskan moose blood studies with emphasis on condition evaluation. Manage.42:344-351. J.Wildl. Dept.Fish and Game.P-R Proj.Rept.47pp.-*Gasaway.1978.Moose survey procedures development.Alaska --*,S.J.Harbo,and S.D.DuBois.1979.Moose survey------ procedures development.Alaska Dept.Fi sh and Game.P-R Proj.Rept.87pp. *,A.W.Franzmann,and J.B.Faro.1979.Immobili------- ..... zation (M-99) Manage . of free ranging moose with and xylazine hydrochloride 115 a mixture ofetorphine (Rompun).J.Wi1dl. II I: *Greer,K.R.,and W. W.Hawkins.1967.Determining pregnancy in elk by rectal palpation.J.Wildl.Manage.31(1):145- 149. *LeResche,R.E.1974.Moose migrations in North America. Naturaliste Can.101:393-415. *and R.A.Rausch.1974.Accuracy and precision of aerial moose censusing.J.Wi1dl.Manage.38(2):175-182. *Hanscom,J.T.,and T.S.Osterkamp.1980.Potential caribou- ice problems in the Watana Reservoir Susi tna Hydroelectric Proj.Northern Engineer.12:4-8. *Henry,D.M.1965.Possible precipitation changes resulting from the proposed Rampart dam reservoir.Cold Regions Res. &:Eng.Lab.,U.S.Army.Tech.Rept.147.17pp. *Markgren,G.1969.Reproduction of moose in Sweden.Viltrevy. G(3):1-299. *Mcllroy,C.1974.Moose survey-inventory progress report 1972,Game Management Unit 13.66-74pp.In D.E.McKnight, (Ed.)1974.Annual report of survey-inventory activities, Part I I.Moose,caribou,marine mammals and goat.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Rept.,Proj. W-17-5.269pp. *Mech,L.D.1974.Current techniques in the study of elusive wilderness carnivores.Proc.of XI.Internat.Congress of Game Biol.315-322pp. *Nielson,A.E.,and W.M.Shaw.1967.A helicopter dart tech- nique for capturing moose.Proc.West.Assoc.Game and Fish Comm.47:182-199. 116 - - - Peterson,R.L. Press.280pp. 1955.North American moose.Univ.Toronto Rausch,R.A.1958.Moose management studies.Alaska Game Comm.Fed.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Job Completion Rept.Vol.12, Proj.W-3-R-12.Juneau.138pp. 1967.Report on 1965-1066 moose studies.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.F~d.Aid in Wildl.Rest.Proj. W-15-R-1.Juneau.129pp. *1969.A Alaska,1957-1968. Conf.34:117-131. summary of wolf Trans.N.Am. studies in southcentral Wildl.and Nat.Resour. *Sergeant,D.E.,and D.H.Pimlott.1959.Age determination in-moose from sectioned incisor teeth.J.Wildl.Manage. 23 (3):315-321. *Skoog,R.o.1968.Ecology of caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti)in Alaska.PhD.Thesis,Univ.of California, Berkeley,California.699pp. *Smi th,C.A",and A.W.Fr anzmann "1979 . physiology of Yakutat Forelands moose. and Game.Fed.Aid in Wi 1dl.Rest. W-17-10 and 11.Job 1.25R.18pp. Producti vi ty and Alaska Dept.Fish Proj.Final Rept. *Taylor,K.p",and W.B.Ballard.1979.Moose movements and habi tat use along the Susi tna River near Devils Canyon, Alaska.Proc.N.Am.Moose Conf.Workshop,Kenai,Alaska. 169-186pp. 117 *Universi ty of Alaska,Agricultural Experiment Station.1981. Subtask7.12 Plant Ecology Studies.Environmental Studies Annual Report 1980 to Alaska Power Authori ty.93pp. *U.S.Army Corps of Engineers.Alaska District. electric power and related purposes for the River Basin.Interim feasibility Rept.,125pp. 1975.Hydro- upper Susi tna *U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service.1975.Southcentral railbelt \ area upper Susitna River Basin hydroelectric project two dam plan.u.S.Dept.Interior,Anchorage,Ak.25pp. Van Ballenbergh,V.1978a.Migratory behavior of moose in southcentralAlaska.Proc.13th Int.Conf.Game Bioi., Atlanta,Georgia.12pp.- *1978b.Final report on the effects of the Trans- Alaska Pipeline on moose movements.Alaska Dept.Fish and Game.44pp. *Viereck,L.A.,and C.R.Dryness.1980. sification system for vegetation in Service,Gen.Tech.Rept.PNW-I06,38pp. A preliminary clas- Alaska U.S.Forest *Wolfe, in 95. J.o.and J.Cowling.1981. Mount McKinley National Park, Moose browse utilization Alaska.Can.Field Nat. *Literature cited in text. 118 1"1" I'II 1 I 1"" I T ii I APPENDIX A 119 J ~~.~~,'1 1 1 •J 1 i Appendix A (Figure,1 ..48·)depletl movemtntl .lad hOl1le rang ..oflncUvl4ua'radlo-eqUared moo,••tudlad In the Nelchlna .nd SU81tna River B"8In,of Southeeptral AI,lka from October 1818 through I1lld-Auguet 1981. '214 §' ~~"// """://-'-./ ~!2 " 831 ,......... 03 3 d /;y/10B~tl?~//'-643 1 em::a 6000 metlr• ..'1-12 correaPDJld to 11'10 of observation \_- ~/ ,r-' +;r--+( Figure 1.Monthly locatlonl and tot"home r.ng.obl'ned from Ootob.er 1910 through mld-Augult 1881 In Oame Managlment Unit 1301 Southeentral Aluka Df 11'1001.214.822.820.028.831.8aO.043.841.~01.e02.010.·882.883 and 88$. ~, ~'J'J;'",V'~\,,/.~ ......._-, ~~~\.)'f- ," --,,/.r I ,- ___/827 /./ //- ~_.~ .r.f28 \ \ \, "\.. "'-\ 1 cm=6000 met.,. 1-12 corr.,pond to month ,of oba.rvatlon \ / '. ,/ --- ~t~~f I Iy,0 (//8'~9 I Figure 2.Monthl,IDeation.and 'otal home range ob.erved from October 1818 through mld-Au8u,'1881 In Game Manag.m.rtt Unit 13'of Southcentra.Ala.ka of moo ••307.824.821.828,828,832,831,848,'848.811.882.878,8aO.881 and 8a4. tl I -J Ja'i'_))J }I J .,J J •J D ----j .--~i \ ~,I,.~a6 t ,,-.. "0.=---./1..'t 11 iF~""c."" \.1lk\~9 ',) '-.....-f)A (/ j? /"..1 / ( /' ( I \ \'. '", .~ ~, 1 em ..6000 m\te,. 1-12 corre.pond to mo of obeervatlon J ....._._~..-.- ]~ (j'/ '-..,//~.~/ I. "\..../ .'"IFigurea.Monthly location.and total hom.ran,.ob ••n.d from October 1878 thrqugh mld-Augllat 1881 In Oaml Managlmlnt Unit 13 of Southoe"t,al AI.elta of moo,.eao.la8,_1<40.e<42,e44.148,883.17a and eel. / L, (I' J.----,/-"'-- I r".....~-......../\J'-......"'.lV\~,'_.... ./\ J ~ I ~------/~!l~--~'.--.--_._-~-~~..------ ( -J/J; ./),,/.- //'/( /) ~ "'"-"..", '" ;' 1 cm -=6000 meter. 1-12 correspond to mOhth of ob8ervatlon r:iC /.// ( \ '-. I l ,I~_.\\l \,'='o--S.?C;~.~-,--~~~~__,,\~, Figure 4.Monthly location 1 and total home range oblerved fr~m October 1878 through mld-Auguat 1881 In Game Manageme'" Unit 13 of SoutheentnU Alal~a -of moo ••118 and 181. J •J ,J .t J -J )~J )•J }-,I ----1 --1 I )i )1 }j )-J i ? ")./--/ I ",~'. /J ~/-J /. /I. ~'./ r ~ ~(--( .~_.~........_..........~,J'..........._J__ ...···.f ,~ 1 em:r 6000 .metare 1-12 corra.pond to m0'ob.anatlon j./1 j./?f ,.f \ .\ \ '-\_-,-~ FI.uure 6.Monthly looatlon.and lotal home ra,nge obaerved 'rom October 1878 through mld-Auguat 1881 In O'ame Managemant Unit 13 of Southeentral Ala.k.af moo.e 872 and 738. /' /f \,, \ ","~···--t-· \1 \(1 ]\0 ./ '"", "",-. 1 cm=6000 metefl 1-12 correapond to m of obaervatlon / f j/ /1' /T--,---,,--' /-- '-, ).~/ I "-.../ ),r~ Figure 6.Monthly loeatlone and total home rang.obeened from .October 1878 through mld-Auguet 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southcen..tral Ala.ka of mQoe.834.838.841.8S4.883.878.881.882.884.71 a and 7a2. )j 9 !J I J I 8 J )t t t j 1 .J i -"j ~ f I j J ))l )t )t }) 7- ,./J- ~.../~/". /" /285 ,/ /'.....,/ 10 oi3~,_"..:~~ /' / .i~rl /j 3 ,/ ;/ "! -""'""\ 1 cm.6000 met.r, 1-12 correspond to m of observation \ Figure 7.Monthly looatlona and total home 'ang.ob.ened from Octob.r 1878 through mld-Auguat 188~In Game Man~g.m.nt Unit 13 of Southeantral AI.lka of mool.28e.017.011.083.oeo.077,078.083.087,08e,711,780 and 741. ~~ / "7~7--....,,----;',-",- 10 ~'-- l,~_ r' 7'/C,,'128 6 I 0 (.f J"''''-' 11 4 .......,i // 9 J./..__/' 1'1''' .1, 2 A ,/ ---"--. ~ /~/ r-_r--..r" // / ~-/---.' J,,----/l 2 --7'2 f ~121~4~017"--...-.p.9 /.../ S II IS ///708 / / / 10 838 V I "',.'. '.... "',' • ..-~ 1 em =6000 meter. 1-12 corre.pond to m ot ob.ervatlon 'l /7 /{J;//,,1./ I \ \ \ \ ,(1\c,;S~~.._-~-~L=~,e:=:.~ <:::::::-"._./--.......~ Figure 8.Monthly location.and total home rang.ob ••rved trom October 1878 through mld-AuguI'1981 In Oame Mana.Qement Unit 13 of Southeentral AI ••ka ot moo ••838.880.108 and 728. J •J 1 i J J I J J J D )•D J .~•J 1 J j J 1 })1 i ?~/,.)~/// I -../\./,...v~\~.,.. 8 6 ~-----,~to 16 1 ,~r / // // /1 .~~.~~~~~ /J.r;f/ / ,.Ii ,.- /J ............ '~ \ '\\ \ \ " .r \~.\==:~ 1 cm II 6000 meier. 1-12 corr8lpond 10 mo0'oblervallon Figure 9.Monthly looallon.and lolal home range ob ..rved from Oolober 1978 Ihrough mld-Augu.t 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 (),Southcenlral Ala.ka of moo.e'8aO. , ) (J~ '--//../,/ I ....··....rv'''''r\//.,,___ 8 ---_.--" ~/ ~J /~ ...... /// /;J "'. ~ 1 em =6000 metere 1-12 correspond to mon\h of observation \, r' ;Jfr.("0 .// \..,.;'=~~c~~/~ ,~~ Figure 10.Monthly location.and total home range obeened from October 1878 through mld-Aug"et 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southcentral AI ••ka of mQO ..8e8 and 811. t )J J J J J ,j t J )~J ,J 1 J 1 1 )}}J J 1 ~i ( ( /)/'-- /./ -"./'v.....vv~~~_. I / f --/- /-~/ ,~/, 874_._--~--~ i /~ /// --/ / ""'-~ 1 em.5000 met.r. 1-12 corre.pond to m of o,beenatlon '--' / ! \. \ \ r Figure 11.Monthly'locallon.and total hom,'range ob ••r.ved from Ootober 1818 through mld-~ugu.t 1881 In Game Manage~.nt Unit 13 of Southcentral Alaaka of moo ••814. ~ ....."'"....J ,."VV\.....-./~__ "'--", \. )j""F"--f ./........../)/,/ l. /' \ \ \ "- ----- .....--...-~---- '''--- l ~.:cL~~J:~_~ I",1 ~,}1 fJ! /-/ (/.., // 1 cm=6000 meter. 1-12 correspond to mo of observation / Figure 12.Mon,thly locatlona and lotal hom.rang.ob ..rved from October 1978 Ihrough mld-AugUII 1881 In Game Managlment Unit 13 of Southcentral Alaaka of mooa.ee7 and eea. )I J ~J J !,J J t J J J J }I j 1 l 1 'J I J )1 i J J 'J }I ~ ?I~'"./l-,·~f" I, C'/\/"VV V \r-, /"--... (/ r O• ..." '....." \ \ \ ". I \.(\:=~C---jT'-'-~~_~ /1//~I I r/",~',.J ( 1 em a 6000 metera 1-12 corre.pond to m of oblenatlon Figure 13.Monthly locatlona and total home range oba,ned from October 1878 through mld-Auguat 1881 In Gam.Managem.nt Unit 13 of Southcentral Alaaka of moo ..e88. r,) ...... .././,/ ./ ... -........;...... .~__,.._.__888 ~~'-~~F --~----.. "-.----........ I,.........-... /~._~ IO'~ p / ~~ I" 21 ~r --,.r" ~'~ ----'--...,/ 823 \\ \ \ 1 em:a 57;60 lI'!eter. \1-12 eorte,{)ond to month ",'of obae'fva"~ ,"'\". i I .~..\ \''\ Jr '~~_~>~_~'::--;~~,~,~F···'·\.;'...·~ .I',~'I.e...--.. ;,; J. ,~,=~,~./z,'..""--_~._~--"--"'-.~. Figure 14.Monthl,looatlon.and total home range ab ••n.d from October 1878 through mld-Augu."1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southeentral Alab.of mqo ••.371.388.383~8.8.711.718 and 731. 1 J J )J J .1 J J J J J J "'!J j 1 i 1 1 1 ~1 1 J 1 )J J J ) /- .)"\J" /_/J ...--/ /i __---' {/ /-----/~--_.------/-,../-/. 881-----_.//_ ~_.-_..__._._._..-_.~_//~ .---~_..... ./ ~- ( ~ ./ J/ / I ~:-.. ~----~ ",,", '...... 1 cm=6000 meter •. 1-12 correepond to mo' of obeervatlo!! ~.,·11/ ./j'- /-'/ (J \ \. 1 " / \ -\1'1=--=< Figure 16.Monthly loo.tlon~and total home rang.ob ••ned from October 1878 through mld-AUg!,..t 1881 In Game Manag.men"t Unit 13 of Southcentral Ala.ka or moo ••.881'. N '""" - - - - '- ii--c: >0 "i:0_.c c -o ::I ::E : "-c:0--·..c:: =c-o .! -.c:•e CD at II- I: II ::& CDe II., I:-til CD- lD too CD--•.ao-oo .e CDoQ .::too, "". •c:.>--·-• 0 .a ..o •••at atc:.,--.; •CDe., o.c ••..0 -o·~E .... CD 0..(')CD _-::I _ 2·c ~::) -•:::I at :::I 1 "i -.c at :::Io-.c- \ \ \ /'" / "" I \ '\ (." ( / J:-coe •-•-CDe o lD too lDneo o c:....2,,- C III o ~a.. •II•.a ~0 0_ 00 fNI-I-- \\, ~~ '\"\,/.\-'----'\\, \< -1 )1 - -j 1 "j 1 ")]]1 j j 1 )) ./ .'. j'f' /- /' /~ '. Ir '" j ( 2",/\.",."",/~l."-"'. \..--. ~.-~-_// /~ 1/ / "._~~--~ ."'-, ._-'-'-'-~' 1 em.6000 meta,. 1-12 (lorre.pond to mo of obaervatlon '" "\. " / /f /- /~- tL,"~_m Figure 17.Monthly location.and total home range,ob',.rved 'rom Octob.r 1818 through mld-Augu,t 1881 'n Game.Management Unit 13 of Southcentral Alalka o'moo,.814. ~, -" """ -, -C•e at CIca Cca :E ateca CJ oS-lD at- co... at-..•4o-oo eo..--- cD 0.. at to).... ~-CI-_ C ~:J "•~..••4o •CI=ca.. •aieCOoCO ~.-..e 0 -O·.2 e "-C 0 e e··~c •o •_C eo ..o ..--~:.c Q_.c c -o ~ :i : \ '\ _r- ::- >' ), ~ ~\\\'\\\"\\'- \\ \\ cal"\cD\.,\\\ \\'\\\ \ \ \ ]].»I 1 )1 )B ))-J )I -1 ""··'J'\·.n·"vv'l...r ............ \....\_-- ~2 ,jV- (....j/ "J I .-'..1 ~/~ / ...//--1/~I /' ./ (. "-'I ..~ -~, ~J'-~ ~~' \ \ '~----,--~ /' J'. ... / / L I {' ,~ J'-"""-"----...--- / / I 1 em.6000m,teu 1-12 eorr ••pond to mo of ob.ervatlon Flgur.18.Monthly loeatlonl and total'home range obl,n.d from Ootober 18111hrough m.ld-Augul'1881 In Game M~nagament Unit 13 of Southeentral AI.lka of moo I.123. Q -0 01 CD C'J-..~ ~-Q c: ~~ ~I ~-~-c:o 2 ··...e 0o... ..:.-. • 0-0-:-s "'0c••·~c-•o .! -0<•o •o ..--c CDo ~-~o CD - I C \.,/•e '\ Gaca !.r,r lISc ,'-..-/lIS ""'"'-..~ r:CDe lIS CJ c--CD CD--•~ca ~ 0<t "e -=ca ~ 0..-=-"... CD-·..0•01 ,Q ... 0 "-0 c 0 •e ... 0 -'.....-·"0•->.....•0•,Q -0 ... •·Q CD ~I C 0 lIS ..... -=-coe o.. lIS ,,-' - C lIS •0 >e Q,"•Gao•• IG ..,Q .....0 IG 0_ •0 0e01 \~\I \, ~\ \i.~\L::::::!:~ i ( ',-- o / \ \ / //m ...U'i ~'1J1 ~~'~\\\ ) "-~ ~J \\ \ I / j )l J J J 1 J J J 1 ))J J j -] , \ ( \, (~~ \ ,.................. ~r.--// ~')'t-.-J "~_J ",,. ',701 " '6 7 6 ./~_"._""""6 /-..~ ~./'J-4''''--....-.~ '~...., ~~/"--,'~I''5~~,~12..J__A .__ Jt~ -----'1 cma 6760 meter 1-12 correapond 10 month of obaervaU / ,./"/ c~ "--./.,,, // ~~ Figure 21.Monthly locallone and lotal hom.range ob,.rved from Oototi.,1878 through mld-AuguII 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southoentrar AI ••ka of mOOI.387.701.118 ,nd 728... " \.."-,)'- ( 706 ."" 3 ""'"''''381 ", ~ ~/ .~---~/ /"'-.1".'/ ~.// / '~,.~ /--'~ --- ~~~:"---. ~-\)j ~.~ _/,./'''----_. / Figure 22.Monthly looatlon.and total home range ob ..rved from October 1878 through mld-Augult 1881 In Game Manag.m.lil Unit 13 of 80uthc.ntr.'AI •.•kaqf moo ••387.,381',701•.724 en4711.' J 1 J ))J J j J J J 1 ~t J ;),)1 1 'J J 1 .])J J 1 1 J J 1 1 J Q \ -- ') ( '-. ,f""--'-/ /'-/- .-_..--..1 ~.----"~.-. ",'. .......~,.,... '. ',@78 2. J ~/"f om=6160 meter 1-12 correspond I of obaervatlo -.... .,\'...... -'-.. "...~~~"""." '-..,-----~ "'~""-., " '....,...... ....'....... '\.. / ',,~~ ...--.'"' r---- / ) \ ,\ .."---~~ Figura 23.Monthly location.and tolal hom.range ob ••ned from OClober 1978 Ihro"gh mld-Augu.,1881 In Game Management Unit .13 ofSouthoen'ral Ala.ka of moo ••878.381 anea 8a2. ( ( \. r )' ('~j (,., .---j'-~......--/ ,/~-J/ /' / 3 // / ,.,a71 /' /.... ')...//.. )/ ,/ r~ ~ r/ -----..,. \,"-----------\~ '- \ f(~ Y'~~~'......". ,r ~__r-'r / ,..~ "---~--"'" ---l/cm ..6760 metera 'II 1-12 co"upond 11on1h II t of observation J I l",sc_ Figure 24.Monthly location.and total home rangl ob ••rvect from Octoblr 1878 through m~d-Augu.t 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southcentral AIa8k~of moo..378 ,and'408. J J }1 ,.~J J 1 1 1 J I I )J J .}.1 I J J ~)J ]J J I ]J J J 1 1 '-- I \ "-\ r~'-'/' ~.----'.......~..." )~ ( ,...~-. /~----'" / /__..-J ~j I \388 \ 401:> \ '408\ \ 7 \ \ \ \ '-------..... \ I .A em.6760 mot.r 1-12 correepond ~o month of observatlo / ft/ ~~ '.....---""--...---./." -~_/~~ /,.. ~.J .r (' L~'l"~ Figure 26.Monthly loca'ion.and 'o'al home range ob ....v.d from Octob.r 1878 'hrpugh mid-Aug".,1881 In Game Managem.nt Unit 13 Q'Southcantral AI,.ka of moo ••38S,3Saan.d 401. \ ~ \ ( /r----/ /'~~~_/~~. .-----J.- _/-~_..~._~....' ~ ~~ ~ ·f 1 em =6160 meter 1-12 correa pond (0 month of obeervatlo .::.':<"'.~-'..,------ ~~ ~~ .J1/ / ~~ Figure 26.Monthly location.and total home range obaened from Ootober 1816 through mld-Auguat 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southeentral Alaaka 01 mQoa.380.388.400 ."'d 10a.". ))J )I )J J _.~J J ,B J J 1 J j "•:...'·"·..~0 o "'"·"c:I.c:~III ..CD·....e (I) o •.c::• •g ..E-- "0c:III III .M:::. o c-••o .. .2 C >0 0 -0~~--c:~o 02CD ...' ~o-oo Eo..- o "'"at... .-...0 01 (IJ·...;-c:I c:~:;) -'C:o Eo c:I IIIc: III 2 o E III CI .5... co at...-•:I CIJ :I C I "i I::a :I;o.. ~- '-( \, --H...._.=-.2..,,-o c:III •0 ~ E :-:o O.a 10::0 j "'"0 _(, 10 0 0 I' II 01 ui~7 I::...I(....L "~-,,~ "-\ \ \. \~ -. / ( ~ ,I / / / /!. I I - -. """ -- r'~~\ /..~.~~_.... .\ '\-. f"'---- 5'- \ .~\ \ ,.-/-- ~/ .---..1' ~_/... ~,' ( ) /! / ~ ~ ~ \.- ------..... J -",~ ---'{cm-B7BO Riete, 1-12 coneapond t L'II of obaervatlo r II F 1 1==~1 Flgur.28.Monthly location a and total home rane.obaened from October 1878 through mld-Aug.,.a'1881 ~n Game Maoagement Unit"13 of Southoentral AI,.k.of mooa.380 . .~J I ]I J j j J I )1 I ,~J I- 1 J .)I 1 ]j 1 1 ])-1 ) I----~ ..;.:;....... --~/ /---,j \ ,S- ~\ _..N.---'J- ~ ',- '-,,384' '"."',',.' ~-~ '~ 407' / '~\ --, --------" r--- ____"of em-6760 meter 1-12 (lorreapond (0 month of obaervatlo J ( "'/----~--.-/" t.,-~;: .-~jrV~~ /.-/'-~~~ \ ....,..., "----/'~ '\ /~ / -----/ J-' flgur.28.Monthly locatlonl and total home range Ob ••IV.d,from O(ltober 1878 through mld-Augult 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southeentral Alalka of moo ••384 ,nd 407. ~~.__/--- \ ;" ) \ )~. .- 1,.\ /........_-/'... ,f·'··.../'- ,-_..~..I ~. ~~. f\\ _./ -"~----.---~ ~~--J.J/ "-•..- ~.'\ '~ /' ./ ~('-;;' /~,~------~' ."...........-r---..,,'\ ~ .''-....~~, ,/ ,/ j t~l~..<_••••• Figure 30~Monthly loc:.tlona and total home range ot;laerved from October 1878 through mld-Augua'1881 In Game Management Unit 13 o'Southcentral Alalk.of moo ••aSCi,.03 and 721. I J j J I I )J ].J I J J J J ••ooe ... •dte",. o ~ "•>.. lit•.Qo•Qc:•.. -•-o- ..•.a-o-oo eo..- .-c <•e•Q•C•:i CDe•CJ. .: ~-c:0-•• •olec:: .2 --<••o ..o ..--~; ~0 -.=c:-o :::lI ;t 0(I)-...0 (II) •(II)..... :::lI : CI c:i&:~ c_0 ,,= c • o > Q," •lit CD •...CI ..0 0_ 00 .=-c:oe •..•-•e o 10 p-. 10•e (\Io... I... • .- - ..... ..... \ I' ( < ~--~-----_.// .--1 /../_../__e._.- • ""',.,"......_J ~em =-6760 meter .1-12 correlpond ~o month of obaervatlo //v~\J(~/' -~~ ~ "'----"\..''------..-/~ -"~~ / J ~ (/ Flgur.32.Monthly looatlon.and total home renge ob ..rved from October 1878 through mld-AuguI'1881 In Game Managemeli •. Unit 13 of Southeentral Aluka 01 moo ••402 and 702.' J J )D ,J J J I I J J .~J .I 1 t -1 J i I ~1 I 1 ".J I ] 1 ( ../~..J ~..,."./ .,/ ,...317 / '~~~ "'---~"", / \~/ ,-/ ---1 em-6760 mot,r /II 1-12 eorreapond ~o month of obaenallo 1.~,_~_ / ~ .~v/-,-J 5~\ ( '" Flgur.33.Monthly ~oc.ilonl and lolal hom,range ob.ened from Ootober 1818 through mld-Augu.11881 In Game Manag~m.nt "Unit 13 of Southeentral Alalka of moo ••311 and .08. -c CDe CD CI l1J C l1J:e CDe l1J CI ,.., - "CI•>.. CD-Ao •CI C ~".. •COe~ o • .c _ o..0oe- .-"..0 ~(f)·-..==Q C iL ~ -"CI 0 c • •.:Ill:-.C • .2 <-·-o ~ .!C =-~jE .c--C ~o 0:e rn co "-at.... CD Ao-go eo..- .5-CO Q ...-•~ aI.~ <I "CI i z: CI ~o...c- ! ( ) J 1 )1 J 1 J J --1 1 J I I 1 1 .' ( J ~ \ \-, ........-- f~ ) ( '. ("-- ~~""..-., (/f-Jr~ I~ I / r "-'----.. --\. ~---~"'" ,-'..----' f/ ''-~" ~,-../---"....~ --"1 oma 6760 mete! 1-12 correspond 0 monthLII01obaonalln -1.~ Figure 36.Monthly locations and lotal home range obaerved from October 1878 through m'd-Augual UUJ1 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southcentral Alaska of moose 383 and 382. \..". ,I ! ,\., ( ., """ "''--, ~ ~ 23"3 \ ~-----_._~/- -', J / /-;' I ) .---J .<-~~ Figure 38.Monthly loolllo""and total home rang,ob ••rved trom Ootober 1878 throu"gh mld-Auguat 1881 In Game Managemerit Unit 13 Q'8outhoentral Aluk.of mooe,233.288.aea .n~~08. ~~I I .J I J J 1 J 1 1 I ! •• J J I I 1 J 'I '--1 1 1 I -I 1 I )-J ( ( \ 'y \ \, \. r'.__..... '--\ ,.. ~ ~ .r-/17 :; ,////,288 / //'."" / /\. /,/ ~ ) ) ~~~1 " _/~ ~ // -./ Figure 37.Monthly locallonl .n~lolal hom.range oblerved fro~October 1878 Ihrough mld-AuguII 1881 In Game Man.gem,.it . Un II 13 of 80uthcenlral Alalka of moo,.288. .\\, / '-, !i.,I "~"_.•~..., '---. --, '\_, t / ~ .~ ", .,~.... JJ ~~7'9" ---'"'"282"-...~-"'"4 ~~\ / j/ figure 38.Monthly location.and total home range ob.erveCS from October 1878 through mld-Augu.t 1881 In Gam.-Management Unit 13 of Southeentral Alaak"of mQP"282.306 and 884. J i J J t -,J t )).1 I J J ].1 I I J ~")1 1 ]J ~1 1 J 1 J ./ /J j ---" ~-::::::-:-'------ ; /264 ~ g ~'__.·--_r-··..... 1 ..0~O1 0 ~ ,. \. ,, ;~_/ .'/ I ',/r--.~~ --.......- \.- Flgur.39.Monthly location.and total home range ob.ened from October 1818 through mld-Augu.t 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southcentral Alalka of moo ••221.244.a87 .28,8 ~nd '40. f ~, ..... ..c•e•Ctarc:.. :i •e•".s-CO Ct-..•::::II Ct ::::II ~. I l' i .c Ct ::::IIo...c • ..Ct.'"....... Ct'U -c:...•-g :'.....oo. E ,0 o '"..& -10VG •w·:>&..- :tD A 01o •-.:' :ell ~.Ct, 01· 01 ••ooe '"... /~ ./\ /CDIi II ~:":::-_.-L- 7 • /f e 0.c / 10 Gi- G ~ .. 0.. .c..c:.~/ ,/E-" • 0 c:....,2 0-0:" ..C'• • 0 :>eGo"••o •o 10 CD•0 w 0-I..- 'U -c 0 •••.:II c:• ,2 .!..~•0 ii ,2-.. , .~ .. ~ >-c: \ 0 \ :c u..J:c:.. ''\ 0 :I 2 0 '\ 0).-Q 0...•C')..,. ::::II .. Ct --c:...::::I ""'" ~J 1 J J ~1 ~l J ~·--l j \ ."I /, '\~ ~'\, ~'.~ '2.~..~2485 . "r:: "~ a88'· ~------ It ____ 100 ---- ~-----.,.......---.....,~---.----..~- / J om -8600 ,...r. -12 ~orrtt.pond to of ,'aervallon -----.'~..~... J/ Figure 41.Monthly 100aUon.a.nd lotal home r.nge ob.ened from Oqtober t878 through mld-Augu.t 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 0'Southoenl,al Ala.ka of moo,_248.268.a,.and I~O. .'. ,r' " \ ... ~'\.~ ,l/ "J/ ~ ~ :tJ231 /•.~/"lio/138 ~-----------r-----'-'-"-'-' ~_I,....... J-" r ~ J ./ /./~- ~/ " Figure 42.Monthly 'oeaUonl and Iota'hom.rang.obl.ned from Oolob.r 1878 through mld ...Augul'1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southeentral Alalka of IRQOI.231,301,308,728,138 an."737. ))J B ,B J !.,J ]I __J .~!J J J J OJ -1 -1 1 J 1 --1 J .-1 )1 ) / j?~~~__~'/lC-d~ "--- ) !, I I,(/ ~-~ Figure 43.Monthly looatlon.and total home range ob.arved from Ootober 1878 through mld-Augu.t .1g'1 In aame Management Unit 13 of Southoentral AI ••ka of moo.e 281,283 and 1.22. / i ,', y '\ \ ~'. //,-/ 1/ J ',,/ ~ ___~---..r.- ~ onth J ! 30 '" em.eaOO m""fl 1-\12 eorre,lfond t~ of o~ervaUon "~~--'-jl ---" J /~ ~ Flgur.44.Monthly location.and tola'home rang.ob ••rvld from October una through mld-~ugu.t 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of Soulheentrel Alaaka of moo ••303. I I .J J .1 !......J J I .1 J I I ) "' .1 I:<ij 1 -1 ]j 1 )1 J I 1 J 1 / /" /~ ,--' :, / " ),..I... ---'" --"\'" ;;/'~ ) '"'~,. ..................... ~ '" R:--~~~""~,~.'f\,,____280 If "~.~ 302 ~~-~~ ~. /( .) Flgur.46.Monthly looatlon.and lotal home range ob ..rved from October 1878 through mld-Augult 1881 In Game Management Unit 130'Southeenlral Alaltka of moo ••280.302 ~nd 707. \. I '~, " (,:I ...,( _.,...j//" ~=--- I~ 1 em-aOOO me'er. ,1-12 correepond to month o'oblervaUon /712 6 9 ~)J/~ -..-- 6 10 ") Figure 48.Monthly looatlonl and total home r.nge ob88rved''rom October 1878 through mld-Augult 1 ee1 In Game Management Unit 13 of Souttle.ntre'Alelka of mooe.r 12. ~,I •I 1 J j J •J 1 I )j!J J J I 1 :-1 "~Cj ]1 j J 1 j I ! ) \ ! ('- I/J ;5-":// I 10m-8000 meter. 1-12 GO".lpond to month of oblenaUon l, ,./ /,/ /..... //" ",,/" ,//271 ,/ // ./ /// ./, / \----~~~.~.~/J ~'''' ................................ \,)~3/// i ~ ..-- Figure 47.MonthlylocaUona and total home r.ng'e o~a.rv.d·"'omOotob.r 1878 through mld-Augult 1881 In Game Management Unit 13 of .Southclntral Alalka of moo ..271. 1 Gm.8000 met.,. 1-12 correspond to month of ob.ervatlon / \ \ \ ~, '" "//> .-;::/If- ? ~ -,,-~-~-----/-//\- \ ') Flgur.48.Mont~ly location.and lolal home r,ang.ob ••ned'irom October 1878 through mld-Augu.t 1$81 In Game Management Unit 13 of Southeentral Aluka 01 moo,.714. ]!)J -],J .t J t J J I J t J J J .J J i 1 J J '-'1 J J J -""]J 1 I 1 J -! .' ( \ \ \ ~ 1 cm.eOOO meterl 1-12 corr ••pond to month of observation ( \ /--_._-~-_/\./''._//\ ~._-"'-../\. ~\ \\ \700 \ \\\ \ \\ "j ( /---' I '6 i 0 r J,,.:.-.J :1 il ~ \ \~,.J 3 '£\., Figure 49.Monthly looatlon.and total home-,.ng.'ob ••rved from OctOber 1878 through mld-Augult 1881 .In Game Management Unit 13 of Southcentral Aluka of mool.700. ~.. Appendix B.Seasonal and total home range sizes of individual radio-collared moose studied in the Nelchina and Upper Susitna River Basins of Southcentral Alaska from October 1976 through mid-August 1981. Moose Sex-Age Period Total II Summer 1/Winter 1/Total 2/Maximum ID II at Capture Monitored locations Home Range Home Range Home Range length of (mo ••yr)km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 kID mi 249 M-Calf 3/79-5/81 10 ----128.0 49.4 232.5 89.8 23.7 14.7 268 M-Calf 3/79-3/80 7 ----45.9 17.7 150.8 58.2 20.8 13.0 271 M-Calf 3/79-8/80 8 159.4 61.5 70.6 27.3 1252.9 483.8 60.8 37.8 294 M-Calf 4/79-5/81 9 32.2 12.4 322.9 124.7 537.6 207.6 88.5 55.0 301 M-Calf 4/79-5/81 7 ----lSI.3 58.4 163.9 63.3 32.9 20.5 375 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 ----14.9 5.8 285.4 1l0.2 37.4 23.3 376 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 7 ----186.8 72.1 358.5 138.4 56.3 35.0 379 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 7 ----177 .5 68.5 177.5 68.5 25.1 15.6 381 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 ----2.0 0.8 3.8 1.5 5.1 3.1 382 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 ----138.3 53.4 138.3 53.4 18.0 1l.2 388 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 9 ----438.0 169.1 583.5 225.3 50.2 31.2 391 M-Calf 11179-6/81 8 ----79.2 30.6 108.8 42.0 33.6 20.9 392 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 -- -- 72.7 28.1 134.2 51.~36.4 22.6 393 M-Calf 11/79-3/81 7 ----37.0 14.3 37.0 14.3 12.1 7.5 395 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 7 ----103.3 40.0 256.8 99.2 41.1 25.5 396 M-Calf 11/79-6/81 8 ----35.2 13.6 44.4 16.0 16.0 10.0 398 M-Calf 11/79-9/81 9 ----74.4 28.7 85.2 32.9 21.4 13.3 399 M-Calf 11/79-12/80 7 ----78.6 30.3 78.6 30.3 15.1 9.4 400 M-Calf 11/79-6/81 9 ----46.9 18.1 64.5 24.9 15.2 9.4 402 M-Calf 11/79-6/81 8 ----56.3 21.7 86.7 33.5 22.2 13.8 408 M-Calf 11/79-5/81 9 ----9.4 3.6 48.0 18.5 19.2 11.9 672 M-Calf 3/81-8/81 5 ------198.4 76.6 38.5 23.9 674 M-Calf 3/81-8/81 7 27.7 10.7 - - 84.0 32.4 27.5 17.1 675 M-Calf 3/81-8/81 6 10.2 4.0 --161.6 62.4 38.5 23.9 676 M-Calf 3/81-8/81 7 20.1 7.8 --20.7 8.0 16.3 10.1 677 M-Calf 3/81-8/81 9 1.6 0.6 --7.4 2.9 14.3 8.9 690 M-Calf 3/81-7/81 6 ------5.9 2.3 5.8 3.6 Subtotal (ne 6)it 41.9 (n=21)108.1 (ne 2l)196.4 29.3 (ne 2l) s 58.7 106.1 257.3 18.6 667 M-2 yr.3/81-8/81 7 65.6 25.3 --147.9 57.1 31.3 19.4 Subtotal x 65.6 j J J ~.J ..J j .J j J j -)-1 ]-]1 ]j J )1 ]1 -j ) Appendix B (cont'd) Moose Sex-Age Period Total 1/Summer 1/Winter 1/Total '1:./Maximum mil at Capture Monitored locations Home Range lIome Range Home Range length of (mo ••yr)km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 kID mi 626 M-5y.4/80-8/81 19 91.1 35.2 21.0 8.1 91.1 35.2 16.2 10.1 627 H-4y.4/80-9/80 12 50.7 19.6 ---127.6 49.3 22.4 13.9 642 M-4y.4/80-7/81 20 35.8 13.8 49.1 19.0 94.1 36.3 21.4 13.3 682 M-Adult 3/81-5/81 5 ----5.5 2.1 75.7 29.2 14.4 9.0 Subtotal (n=3)x 59.2 25.2 (n=3)97.1 (n=4)~.18.6 (n=4) s 28.6 22.1 21.9 3.9 225 F-Calf 3/79-11/80 7 ----43.3 16.7 43.3 16.7 19.3 12.0 262 F-Calf 3/79-11/80 8 36.7 14.2 ---189.7 73.3 26.5 16.4 264 F-Calf 3/79-5/81 11 58.9 22.7 153.1 59.1 174.2 67.3 23.4 14.5 269 F-Calf 3/79-5/81 13 40.2 15.5 70.6 27.3 166.2 64.2 29.6 18.4 274 F-Calf 3/79-7/79 5 ------ -- 97.0 37.5 37.0 23.0 290 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 11 75.6 .29.2 846.2 326.7 1833.5 708.0 131.0 81.4 291 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 9 12.5 4.8 136.3 52.6 155.0 59.8 20.4 12.7 293 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 9 2.3 .9 161.5 62.4 161.6 62.4 40.5 25.2 297 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 9 18.8 7.3 191.1 73.8 213.9 82.6 37.2 23.1 298 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 9 10.7 4.1 37.5 14.5 186.9 72.2 48.4 30.1 299 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 8 12.7 4.9 82.5 31.8 136.2 52.6 30.8 19.2 300 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 8 3.2 1.2 ----16.1 6.2 8.2 5.1 302 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 10 258.5 99.8 91.7 35.4 462.6 178.6 54.9 34.1 303 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 9 99.4 38.4 22.5 8.7 152.5 58.9 19.8 12.3 305 F-Calf 4/79-3/81 9 5.3 2.0 162.0 62.5 172.6 66.6 25.5 15.9 306 F-Calf 4/79-12/81 8 --227.2 87.7 312.1 120.5 32.3 20.1 307 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 8 7.2 2.8 96.3 37.2 201.7 77 .9 58.8 36.5 308 F-Calf 4/79-5/81 7 13.5 5.2 --73.0 28.2 20.5 12.7 377 F-Calf 11/79-6/81 8 - - 221.8 85.6 224.4 86.6 33.2 20.6 378 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 - - 223.2 86.2 225.1 86.9 33.2 20.6 380 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 .--112.5 43.5 183.9 71.0 36.7 22.8 383 F-Calf 11/79-1/80 5 --26.9 10.4 85.0 32.8 23.2 14.4 384 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 --37.9 14.6 83.5 32.3 31.6 19.6 386 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 --186.9 72.1 257.1 99.3 68.8 42.7 387 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 9 --96.8 37.4 112.1 43.3 28.7 17 .8 389 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 7 --161.1 62.2 206.7 79.8 27.6 17.1 390 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 --131.2 50.7 143.8 55.5 25.2 15.7 394 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 6 --88.7 34.2 169.8 65.6 26.4 16.4 397 F-Calf 11/79-9/81 8 - - 7.5 2.9 34.4 13.3 16.3 10.1 403 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 --156.3 60.4 167.1 64.5 23.5 14.5 Appendix B (cont'd) Moose Sex-Age Period Total II Summer 1.-'Winter II Total 2/Maximum 1011 at Capture Monitored locations Home Range Home Range Home Ra~ge length of (mo ••yr)km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 km mi 404 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 10 --34.9 13.5 41.8 18.4 15.7 9.8 406 F-Calf 11/79-6/81 9 --119.4 46.1 121.1 46.8 26.2 16.3 407 F-Calf 11/79-5/81 8 --95.8 37.0 95.8 31.0 21.4 13.3 669 F-Calf 3/81-8/81 6 ----22.4 8.6 13.6 8.4 678 F-Calf 3/81-8/81 7 34.4 13.3 --116.5 45.0 27 .8 17.2 679 F-Calf 3/81-8/81 8 13.5 5.2 1.1 0.4 40.4 15.6 11.7 7.3 685 F-Calf 3/81-8/81 6 3.9 1.5 --106.0 40.9 50.5 31.4 686 F-Calf 3/81-7/81 6 - - --39.3 15.2 18.9 H.8 689 F-Calf 3/81-7/81 5 ----148.9 57.5 52.4 32.6 693 F-Calf 3/81-7/81 5 ----120.8 46.6 31.0 19.3 -(n=30)134.1 (n=40)Subtotal n=18 x 39.3 187.5-32.7 -(n"'40) s 61.1 149.8 280.2 20.7 246 F-2 yr.3/79-8/79 6 5.9 2.3 --15.9 6.1 8.5 5.3 633 F-2 yr.4/80-6/80 5 ----3.6 1.4 9.2 5.7 680 F-2 yr.3/81-8/81 5 --2.6 1.0 7.8 3.0 5.1 3.6 701 F-2 yr.10/76-9/78 32 914.3 353.0 638.7 246.6 1321.8 510.4 66.6 41.4 726 F-2 yr.3/77-4/79 28 409.4 158.1 237.3 91.6 539.0 208.1 41.2 29.3 -292.9Subtotaln"'8 k43.2 377 .6 27.4 s 445.1 321.7 575.6 27.8 617 F-Adult 4/80-8/81 28 40.4 15.6 35.5 13.1 57.4 22.1 11.3 7.0 618 F-13 yr.3/77-5/79 4/80-8/81 47 78.4 30.3 59.6 23.0 112.4 43.4 22.8 14.2 619 F-9 yr.4/80-7/81 23 41.1 15.9 30.3 11.7 108.2 41.8 23.9 14.8 622 F-12 yr.4/80-&/81 25 84.2 32.5 65.0 25.1 101.3 39.1 16.1 10.0 623 F-8 yr.8/78-12/78 4/80-8/81 17 917 .4 354.2 334.6 129.2 1317 •3 508.6 61.4 38.1 624 F-lO yr.4/80-1/81 19 69.3 26.8 24.4 9.4 69.9 27.0 23.5 14.6 625 F-13 yr.4/80-6/80 6 5.0 1.9 --12.8 4.9 9.7 6.0 628 F-12 yr.4/80-7/81 22 63.4 24.5 48.1 18.6 101.9 39.4 19.2 11.9 629 F-3 yr.4/80-8/81 22 24.6 9.5 15.9 6.2 52.2 20.2 13.1 8.1 630 F-6 yr.4/80-8/81 23 10.3 4.0 6.4 2.5 13.6 5.2 6.2 3.8 631 F-lO yr.3/77-4/77 4/8Q-8/81 24 50.5 19.5 73.8 28.5 130.8 50.5 21.0 13.0 632 F-l1 yr.4/80-9/80 14 40.7 15.7 --48.6 18.8 16.3 10.1 )J I J I J ))J J ]I 1 !J I )j J .....)!J r_]1 1 1 -J J ) Appendix B (cont'd) Moose Sex-Age Period Total iI Summer 1/Winter 1/Total ])Maximum IDiI at Capture Monitored locations Home Range Home Range Home Range length of (mo ••yr)km 2 mi 2 km 2 roi 2 km 2 mi 2 km mi 634 F-12 yr.4/80-8/81 21 78.8 30.4 31.6--12.2 112.1 43.3 15.6 9.7 635 F-Adult 4/80-8/81 24 26.9 10.4 69.2 26.7 164.4 63.5 34.3 21.3 636 F-4 yr.4/80-8/81 21 65.4 25.2 58.2 22.5 83.1 32.1 15.1 15.6 637 F-Adult 4/80-7/81 23 34.9 13.5 49.3 19.0 70.4 27.2 17 .0 10.6 638 F-Adult 4/80-7/81 20 .62.8 24.3 58.5 22.6 78.6 30.3 25.1 15.6 639 F-4 yr.4/80-7/81 22 137.1 52.9 239.4 92.5 308.0 119.0 26.5 16.5 640 F-5 yr.4/80-5/81 21 45.3 17 .5 24.4 9.4 58.7 22.6 16.0 9.9 641 F-12 yr.4/80-7/81 25 114.7 44.3 44.9 17.3 140.8 54.4 16.6 10.3 643 F-Adult 4/80-7/81 23 54.9 21.2 62.2 24.0 102.7 40.0 21.2 13.2 644 F-Adult 4/80-8/81 21 77 .3 29.8 57.8 22.3 127.5 49.2 21.3 13.2 645 F-lO yr.4/80-8/81 21 49.7 19.2 49.5 19.1 89.1 34.4 23.4 14.5 647 F-13 yr.4/80-8/81 26 71.5 27.6 15.1 5.8 72.4 28.0 13.1 8.1 648 F-4 yr.4/80-8/81 22 98.4 38.0 62.8 24.2 197.0 76.1 38.7 24.0 649 F-Adult 4/80-8/81 23 14.4 5.6 9.1 3.5 16.6 6.4 8.0 5.0 650 F-4 yr.4/80-8/81 26 238.4 92.1 101.8 39.3 420.1 162~2 47.5 29.5 651 F-6 yr.8/78-3/19 4/80-8/81 23 47.3 18.3 42.6 16.5 70.9 27.4 13.4 8.3 652 F-13 yr.4/80-7/81 24 122.8 47.4 44.0 17.0 131.4 50.7 24.4 15.1 653 F-13 yr.4/80-7/81 22 22.1 8.5 34.0 13.1 46.5 18.0 8.6 5.4 654 F-9 yr.4/80-7/81 20 35.9 13.9 22.7 8.7 60.7 23.4 13.0 8.0 655 F-16 yr.'4/80-7/81 21 45.6 17 .5 19.8 7.6 50.0 19.3 12.6 7.8 656 F-13 yr.4/80-8/81 18 43.6 16.8 0.4 0.2 44.3 17 .1 9.3 5.8 662 F-4 yr.3/17-10/77 6/80-7/81 34 55.8,21.6 33.9 13.1 66.7 25.8 13.6 8.5 663 F-8 yr.10/76-4/19 8/8P-7/81 64 260.6 100.6 50.0 19.3 269.2 103.9 27.0 16.8 664 F-Adult 10/16-4179 6/80-12/80 55 73.1 28.2 2388.9 922.4 2910.5 1123.8 106.3 66.1 666 F-9 yr.3/81-8/81 7 1.3 0.5 --22.0 8.5 11.7 7.3 668 F-8 yr.3/81-8/81 7 3.3 1.3 --24.8 9.6 13.5 8.4 671 F-4 yr.3/81-8/81 5 ----198.1 76,5 38.4 23.8 683 F-9 yr.3/81-8/81 7 8.6 3.3 --25.6 9.9 10.6 6.6 684 F-8 yr.l/81-7/81 6 ----5.8 2.2 5.8 3.6 687 F-4 yr.3/81-8/81 5 --10.1 3.9 209.5 80.9 49.0 30.4 688 F-Adult 3/81-7/81 6 --2.1 0.8 56.0 21.6 33.2 20.7 691 F-9 yr.3/81-7/81 6 ----23.2 8.9 15.5 9.6 692 F-9 yr.3/81-8/81 6 2.9 1.1 --15.8 61.2 51.1 31.7 694 F-13 yr.3/81-7/81 7 --2.4 0.9 7.2 2.8 5.6 3.5 697 F-Adult 3/81-7/81 5 20.4 7.9 --20.4 .7.9 12.4 7.7 Appendix B (contld) Sex-Age at Capture Moose mil 698 700 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 725 728 729 730 731 732 733 735 736 737 739 F-8 yr. F-7 yr. F-7 yr. F-10 yr. F-Adult F-9 yr. F-Adult F-7 yr. F-8 yr. F-4 yr. F-6 yr. F-7 yr. F-7 yr. F-9 yr. F-7 yr. F-Adult F-Adult F-4 yr. F-7 yr. F-4 yr. F-12 yr. F-3 yr. F-13 yr. F-8 yr. F-13 yr. F-4 yr. F-Adult F,7 yr. F-11 yr. F-Adult F-10 yr. F-3 yr. F-16 yr. F-Adult F-Adult F-Adult Period Total ~Summer 1/Winter 1/Total 2/Maximum Monitored locations Home Range Home Range Home Range length of (mo .•yr)~m 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 km 2 mi 2 km mi 3/77-11/78 21 38.3 14.8 68.9 26.6 90.9 35.1 20.0 12.4 10/76-11/77 21 880.6 340.0 627.1 242.1 1353.3 522.5 66.1 41.0 10/76-5/79 40 148.3 57.3 173.8 67.1 567.6 219.1 43.8 27.2 10/76-3/79 30 193.1 74.5 93.5 36.1 261.6 101.0 24.1 15.0 10/76-4/79 22 151.2 58.4 121.7 47.0 283.6 109.5 29.8 18.5 10/76-3/79 32 99.2 38.3 334.9 129.3 352.5 136.1 33.1 20.6 10/76-4/79 42 157.1 60.7 93.6 36.1 185.2 71.5 21.8 13.6 10/76-3/79 43 344.5 133.0 516.6 199.5 657.4 253.8 52.9 32.9 10/76-4/79 39 252.1 97.3 136.8 52.8 454.1 175.4 50.0 31.0 10/76-3/79 29 361.3 .139.5 111.2 42.9 390.0 150.6 30.4 18.9 10/76-10/77 16 39.8 15.4 33.0 12.8 59.7 23.0 13.5 8.4 10/76-3/79 31 143.4 55.4 48.3 18.6 151.0 58.3 17.9 11.1 10/7b-10/78 38 628.7 242.7 20.7 8.0 717.2 276.9 61.1 38.0 10/76-5/78 23 42.6 16.5 51.9 20.0 81.1 31.3 13.5 8.4 10/76-10/78 40 268.9 103.8 246.8 95.3 411.3 158.8 33.6 20.9 10/76-4/78 21 46.2 17.8 15.0 5.8 59.9 23.1 15.7 9.7 10/76-3/79 31 118.3 45.7 32.0 12.3 149.5 57.7 24.9 15.4 10/76-4/79 30 287.5 111.0 224.5 86.7 377.4 145.7 33.6 20.8 3/77-5/79 26 544.6 210.3 143.9 55.6 544.6 210.3 39.1 24.3 3/77-4/79 35 96.7 37.3 14.0 5.4 104.8 40.5 16.5 10.2 3/77-2/79 35 565 21.8 73.6 28.4 106.7 41.2 14.9 9.3 3/77-3/79 25 48.2 18.6 101.2 39.1 173.0 66.8 19.7 12.2 3/77-3/79 28 1131.3 436.8 155.8 60.2 1182.7 456.7 99.8 62.0 3/77-4/80 28 53.1 20.5 28.7 11.1 64.2 24.8 12.0 7.5 3/77-1/79 38 163.7 63.2 215.0 83.0 271.3 104.7 34.8 21.6 3/77-10/79 33 1139.1 439.8 725.4 280.1 2269.0 876.1 169.4 105.2 3/77-5/79 28 197.7 76.3 12.9 5.0 236.7 91.4 35.5 22.1 3/77-6/79 38 122.0 47.1 81.8 31.2 172.1 66.4 26.8 16.7 3/77-3/79 28 47.4 18.3 64.1 24.8 121.7 47.0 19.8 12.3 .3/77-4/79 35 42.0 16.2 37.9 14.6 63.3 24.4 15.1 9.4 3/77-3/79 25 32.1 12.4 41.0 15.8 76.1 29.4 16.9 10.5 3/77-3/79 26 49.9 19.3 35.0 13.5 99.4 38.4 15.8 9.8 8/78-3/79 8 10.5 4.1 18.4 7.1 37.7 14.5 14.4 9.0 10/77-2/79 8 --21.3 8.2 64.9 25.1 29.1 18.1 10/77-11/79 6 -- - -72.7 28.1 23.7 14.7 10/77-2/79 8 16.0 6.2 18.9 7.3 53.4 20.6 12.5 7.7 I }t 1 --..I J __J ..j I _.J .J _J --~ -,~,j -I • ') Appendix B (cont'd) -1 1 J -]])-1 ],J 1 Moose mil 740 741 Sex-Age at Capture F-Adult F-Adult Period Monitored (1110:~yr) 10/77-10/78 8/78-4/79 Total iI locations 9 8 SUIlllller 1...7 Home Range km 2 mi 2 12.3 4.8 Winter 1..7 Home Range km 2 mi 2 8.2 3.2 Total'l:./ Home Range km 2 mi 2 32.1 12.4 179.0 69.1 Maximum length of km mi 8.9 5.5 23.8 14.8 n=76 x 148.7 236.7 (n=73)123.6 299.8 (n=85)248.2 449.7 n=85 27.1 23.9 1)Not determined if 3 or less observations;summer =months of May.June.July.August.September,and October; winter =months of November.December,January,February,March and April. 2)Not determined if 4 or less observations.