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• R87W). In previous Yoast annual reports, Annan's lek numbers 1, 2, and 3 had been referred <br />to as lek STG-2, STG-1, and STG-3, respectively. In 1999, PRES attempted to check the <br />three leks on 27 April. That day, a biologist drove or walked to a vantage point near each lek <br />to count all birds present. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />Known golden eagle nests within one mile of the permit area were checked for activity <br />on 28 April. That day, a biologist observed the nests through a spotting scope from a nearby <br />vantage point. Nests were watched until their status (active, inactive, alternate, etc.) could be <br />determined. <br />RF,CiTi,TS <br />BIG GAME <br />The sky was partly cloudy during the 24 February aerial survey. Snow fall was rather <br />minimal in the area during winter 1998-1999, and snow depth over the entire area was <br />• probably less one foot in late February. Visibility during the survey was rated as fair to good. <br />Expanded Survey Area <br />A complete listing of all observations made during the aerial survey is given in <br />Appendix I. All sightings are also plotted on Exhibit 1. A total of 748 elk (8.8/miZ) in 67 <br />herds were seen during the survey. Three herds of mule deer (37 animals) were also <br />observed. Four coyotes (Canis latrans) and one bobcat (Lynx rufus) were recorded in the <br />survey area. Raptors seen included three golden eagles. <br />Elk occurred as lone individuals and in herds of as many as 88 animals; average herd <br />size was 11.7 animals. Elk were widely distributed over the area, but were notably absent <br />from the north-central and southeast edge of the area; elk were very sparse in the southwest <br />and extreme northwest corners of the area (Exhibit 1). The predominant habitat types in those <br />portions of the survey area, except in the southwest, are agricultural fields and flat grasslands. <br />Only one herd was seen on the Yoast permit area; one herd was also seen on Seneca II; no <br />• sightings were made on the Seneca II-W permit area. <br />1999 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3 <br />