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Susan Morrison July 21, 1992 Page 2 terrestrial invertebrates; and lo) investigation of potential conflicts with threatened and endangered species. The data generated from field studies was compiled to determine the status, habitat affinity, distribution, and abundance of the species in each major wildlife group so that important habitats could be identified, potential mining impacts could be assessed, and mitigation plans could be developed. Baseline wildlife studies at the Seneca II-W Mine were conducted in 1974, 1979, and 1982. Habitats identified in these studies included sagebrush, mixed brush, steep mountain brush, aspen woodland, western wheatgrass/alkali sacaton, mesic drainage, and forb. Quantitative small mammal and passerine bird data was collected in each habitat. Upland game bird data was obtained using parabolic microphone data. Sweep-netting was utilized to assess terrestrial invertebrates, and dip-nets and substrate scrapes were used to quantify aquatic invertebrates and periphyton. General reconnaissance was utilized for big game, medium- sized non-game mammals, raptors, and herpetofauna. Big game studies also included ground searches for calving areas, pellet-group transects, browse transects, and aerial flights. Data analysis and interpretation was similar to that previously described for the Seneca II studies. The wildlife studies proposed for the Yoast area were designed with consideration given to the similarity of habitats between it and the two other proximate areas that were intensively studied in the recent past. Consideration was also given to the concerns expressed by the regulatory authorities during the development, consultation, and permitting process for Seneca II and Seneca II- W regarding important wildlife species or groups, critical habitat, mitigation, and enhancement. As a result, Peabody proposes a reduced scope for the Yoast studies. The scope is designed to target species and habitats of high Federal or State interest and rely on the results of the previous studies in similar habitats to describe wildlife groups that typically receive less attention (e.g., non-protected passerine birds, small and medium- sized mammals, predators, herpetofauna, and terrestrial invertebrates. The following studies, outlined by major group, are proposed.