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Colorado Yampa Coal Company Elk Calving Behavior Study 1986 Annual Report This is the sixth annual progress report of Colorado Yampa Coal Company's (CYCC) Elk Calving Behavior Study and reports, study progress and results through July 31, 1986. The previous five years of study were part of the Eckman Park Mine (Permit C-81-071) mitigation plan and are summarized in the 1985 completion report. The study is being continued as part of the Little Middle Creek Tract (LMCT) mitigation plan. The purpose of the study is to monitor elk calving behavior in connection ' with habitat disturbance resulting from surface coal mining. The specific objectives of this study are described in the 1985 Completion Report. The study has been extended to determine if there are any long term impacts to ' elk in the area as a result of continued habitat disturbance resulting from mining of the LMCT. The LMCT is a coal lease adjacent to previous mining in Eckman Park. Colorado Yampa Coal Company will continue the elk calving behavior study for 5 additional years (1986 - 1990) at a reduced level consisting of: ' A. Monthly aerial surveys (2 in May and 4 in June); B. Annual cow/calf helicopter surveys; and ' C. Maintaining 10 transmittered elk. ' Although no negative impacts have been documented during the first five years of study, this continued level of study will provide continuity to the study and should provide documentation of any long-term impacts should they ' occur. STUDY AREA CYCC's LMCT (the area of intensive investigation) is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Steamboat Springs, Routt County, Colorado. However, the area of general observations extend as far as 20~ miles from the mine covering the movements of elk tagged on the mine. The specific location of the LMCT can be found on the enclosed maps showing elk movements. A more detailed description of the area is found in the 1985 Completion Report. METHODS ' Trapping and tagging of elk was conducted with portable clover traps. Monitoring was done primarily with fixed wing aircraft to locate ' transmittered animals. Helicopter classification surveys were conducted to -1-