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<br />In 2002, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc. <br />(TWC), formerly Powder River Eagle Studies, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II-W <br />Mine. Studies included: I) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) searching for Columbian <br />sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks, and 3) monitoring known <br />golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for sandhill crane (Grus <br />canadensis) activity during spring. A description of the study area, survey methods, and results <br />are presented below. <br />Questions or comments about this report should be directed to the attention of Mr. Roy <br />Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO 81639, <br />telephone (970) 276-5105. <br />STUDY AREA <br />The Seneca II-W Mine is approximately seven miles south of Hayden, Routt County, <br />• Colorado. The mine permit area occupies about 6 miz. Prior to 1994, the big game survey area <br />included the permit area; atwo-mile perimeter to the west, north and east of the mine; and a <br />three-mile perimeter to the south. That azea totaled approximately 35 mil. In 1994, the survey <br />area was enlarged to gather additional information. The expanded area covered approximately <br />84.5 miz, and encompassed the Seneca II-W, Yoast, and Seneca II Mines and their perimeters. <br />That same area was surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the <br />northwest edge of the area in 1996, increasing the big game survey azea to approximately 89.5 <br />miz (Exhibit 1). That area was surveyed each year from 1997 through 2002. Sharp-tailed grouse <br />lek searches were limited to the Seneca II-W permit area, and golden eagle nest monitoring was <br />restricted to sites on or near the permit area. <br />The big game survey area is in the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork Mountains, <br />south of the Yampa River. Elevations over the area range from 6,100 feet in the north to over <br />8,300 feet in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush characterize <br />the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The mountain brush community is <br />dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry (Amelanchier ulnifolia). <br />• Trembling aspen (Populzzs tremuloides} stands are scattered throughout the area, but mainly <br />2002 Senaca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page I <br />