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• occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir {Abies spp.) are found at the highest elevations. Rolling rangeland and agricultural fields are in the north-central, extreme northwest, and southeast portions of the area. Bottomland habitat occurs along major creeks (Grassy Creek, Sage Creek, Dry Creek) and their lazger tributary draws. On the Seneca II-W permit area, elevations range from 7,000 to over 7,700 feet. The terrain is highest on the east side of the permit area. Much of the area slopes down to the west toward Hubberson Gulch; the north part of the azea slopes northwest toward Dry Creek. Mountain brush and big sagebrush (Artemisia tridenrata) are the two most common native habitats on the permit area. A few aspen stands also exist, primarily on the east side. Bottomland is very limited on the permit area. METHODS BIG GAME One aerial survey for big game, primarily elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer • (Odocoileus hemionus), was conducted on 7 February 2002. The 89.5 mil survey area was searched from a helicopter (Bell 47 with Soloy conversion; Olatha Spray Service, Olatha, CO.) by systematically flying each drainage and adjoining slopes in the area. The survey was started on the east side of the area at 0800 h and completed in the west at 1530 h. Two TWC biologists and the helicopter pilot looked for big game and other wildlife during the survey. The locations of all animal sightings (including big game, mammalian predators, and grouse) were plotted on I :24,000 topographic maps. Habitat associations were also recorded for each observation. UPLAND GAME BIRDS Searches for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks on the Seneca II-W permit area were conducted on 2 May. Two biologists searched for displaying grouse while slowly driving or walking around the permit area. Frequent stops were made at vantage points to scan and listen for birds. • 2002 Seneca II-R' Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 2