Dames & Moore, 1999 - USDA Forest Service

most abundant species in Railroad Creek. A more detailed analyses of benthic and fish community structure
was previously discussed in Section 4.6 (Ecological Conditions).
Bald eagle, osprey, and American dipper are birds that are relatively common in the area and make
extensive use of aquatic resources. American dippers have occasionally been observed feeding on aquatic
invertebrates at the base of the tailings pile by Railroad Creek. Mlnk are probably present in the area but
have not been observed, probably because of their size and foraging habits. Bats are also likely to feed on
emergent aquatic insects.
Black bear, mule deer, black-@,id deer, blue grouse, chipmunk, ground squiml. garter make. long-toed
salamander were observed in the up and downstream riparian habitat along Railroad Creek.
Terrestrial Areas
Surface Soils
The dominant habitat types in and around Holden Village are Douglas firlalder forest, riparian willow
thickets, and man-impacted disturbed soils. Soils were collected fiom Holden Village, the maintenance yard
near the mine site, and the lagoon near Railroad Creek, downgradient fiom the mine portal. Soils within
Holden Village are fully vegetated with grasses and trees. The maintenance yard is heavily used by
maintenance vehicles and is devoid of vegetation and habitat for wildlife. The low area by Railroad Creek,
known as the lagoon, collects surface runoff and, although devoid of vegetation, is surrounded by willow
thickets.
The dominant megafauna, utilizing Holden Village and the surrounding area, are black bear, mule deer and
black-tailed deer. A large number of smaller species are also common, including Douglas squirrel,
Townsend's chipmunk, yellow pine chipmunk, golden-mantled ground squirrel, and unidentified bats. Deer
mice and shrews are probably present. Birds, including the red-breasted nuthatch, mountain chickadee,
dark-eyed junco, American robin, golden-crowned kinglet, chestnut-sided nuthatch. Townsend's warbler.
white-crowned sparrow, hermit thrush, cedar waxwing, crossbill and numerous fiches were observed within
Holden Village and the surrounding area. Pileated woodpecker, sharp-shined hawk, varied thrush, Clark's
nutcracker were observed near the mine workings.
Tailings Piles
The tailings piles are located along Railroad Creek west of the mine portal. Beginning in 1973, the USFS
and University of Washington (UW) conducted a number of re-vegetation projects on the tailings piles. The
tailings piles consist of fine-ground bedrock and ore and are sparsely vegetated by a combination of planted
and wild plant species.
A number of plant species including, perennial grasses, alfalfa, and various pine trees, alders and snowbush,
have been planted during previous revegetation studies on the tailings piles. Various grasses, forbs, and
sedges cover approximately five to ten percent of the tops of the tailings piles. Wild tree species, including
Douglas fir, subalpine fir, and Engleman spruce grow on the steep sides of the tailings. Slopes to the
terraces were planted with Douglas fir. Along the tailings pile edges near Railroad Creek, large red cedar,
cottonwood, spruce willow and alder are common.
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