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• 11\1RVLVl.11V1\ <br />In 2001, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, [nc. <br />(TWC), formerly Powder River Eagle Studies, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II-W <br />Mine. Studies included: 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) searching for Columbian <br />sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks, and 3) monitoring known <br />golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for sandhill crane (Grus <br />canadensis) activity in spring. A description of the study area, survey methods, and results are <br />presented below. <br />Questions or comments about this report should be directed to the attention of Mr. Roy <br />Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO 81639, <br />telephone (970) 276-5105. <br />STUDY AREA <br />The Seneca II-W Mine is approximately seven miles south of Hayden, Routt County, <br />Colorado. The mine permit area occupies about 6 miz. Prior to 1994, the big game survey area <br />• included the permit area; atwo-mile perimeter to the west, north and east of the mine; and a <br />three-mile perimeter to the south. That area totaled approximately 35 miZ. In 1994, the survey <br />azea was enlarged to gather additional information. The expanded azea covered approximately <br />84.5 mil, and encompassed the Seneca II-W, Yoast, and Seneca II Mines. That same area was <br />surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the area <br />in 1996, increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 mi' (Exhibit 1). That area <br />was surveyed each year from 1997 through 2001. Shar)~-tailed grouse lek searches were limited <br />to the permit area, and golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or neaz the permit <br />area. <br />The big game survey area is in the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork Mountains, <br />south of the Yampa River. Elevations over the area range from 6,100 feet in the north to over <br />8,300 feet in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush characterize <br />the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The mountain brush community is <br />dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). <br />• Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are scattered throughout the area, but mainly occur along the <br />200] Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page I <br />