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• GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />Known golden eagle nests near the permit azea were checked for activity on 2 May. A <br />biologist observed the nests through a spotting scope from a vehicle parked at a vantage point. <br />Nests were watched until their status (active or inactive) could be determined. <br />SANDHILL CRANES <br />In 2002, biologists searched for sandhill cranes by walking and driving through portions <br />of the survey area where potential nesting habitat exists. Biologists also watched and listened for <br />crane activity while conducting other surveys and traveling in the area. Particular attention was <br />given to habitats most likely to attract cranes, such as drainages and meadows. <br />RESULTS <br />BIG GAME <br />The sky was mostly clear during the aerial survey on 7 February. Snow cover was neazly <br />• complete, and approximately 3 feet in depth (range ~2 to 4 feet). Steeper south and west facing <br />slopes had minimal snow cover. In general, snow fall was average for the area during winter <br />2001-2002. Visibility during the survey was rated as good. <br />Expanded Survev Area <br />All wildlife observations from the aerial survey are listed in Appendix I. Big game <br />observations are also illustrated on Exhibit 1. A total of 682 elk (7.6 /mil) in 43 herds were seen <br />during the survey. Thirteen herds of mule deer (53 animals) were also observed. Additional <br />animals recorded included five sharp-tailed grouse and eight coyotes (Canis latrans). Elk herds <br />ranged in size from 1 to 31 animals, and averaged 7.3 individuals. Elk were widely distributed <br />throughout the area, but were notably absent from the north-central portion and the Seneca II <br />permit area. Elk were sparse in the southwest, southeast, and extreme northwest corners of the <br />area (Exhibit 1). The predominant habitat types in those portions of the survey area, except in <br />the southwest, are agricultural fields, reclamation, and flat grasslands. <br />Ninety-five percent (647) of the elk observed were in mountain brush habitat. The <br />• remaining elk (35) were observed in trembling aspen stands. <br />2002 Seneca II-N' Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3 <br />