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• Annan's 20-mile #1 (in SE'/4 SE'/4 Section 9, TSN, R87W); Annan's 20-mile #2 (in SE%a SE'/4 Section 5, TSN, R87W); and Annan's 20-mile #3 (in SE'/< NWYe Section 9, TSN, R87W). In previous Yoast annual reports, Annan's lek numbers 1, 2, and 3 had been referred to as lek STG- 4, STG-1, and STG-3, respectively. Anew sharp-tail lek, the Yoast Mine Road lek (SW'/< Section 28, T6N, R87W), was discovered in 2000. TWC biologists checked the four leks within about one hour of sunrise on 3, 5, and 6 May 2001. On those mornings biologists drove or walked to a vantage point near each lek to count all birds present. If vegetation or topography prevented a complete count from a distance, the biologist walked out to the lek and flushed the birds for a final count. Searches for new leks on the permit area were also conducted on 3, 5, and 6 May. Field personnel looked for displaying grouse while slowly driving through the area.' Frequent stops were made at vantage points to scan and listen for birds. SANDHILL CRANES No specific surveys were conducted for sandhill cranes in 2001. However; biologists • watched and listened for crane activity while conducting other surveys and traveling in the azea. Particular attention was given to habitats most likely to attract cranes, such as drainages and meadows. RESULTS BIG GAME The sky was mostly clear during the aerial survey on 2 February. Snow cover was complete, and approximately 4 feet in depth (range --2 to 5 feet). About 6 inches of that snow was very fresh, and had fallen during a recent storm (31 January). In general, snow fall was rather substantial in the azea during winter 2000-2001. Visibility during the survey was rated as good. Expanded Survev Area All wildlife observations from the aerial survey are listed in Appendix I. Big game • observations are also illustrated on Exhibit I. A total of 665 elk (7.4 /mil) in 113 herds were 2001 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3