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upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir (Abies spp.) are found at the highest elevations. <br />Rolling rangeland and agricultural fields are in the north-central, extreme northwest, and <br />southeast portions of the area. Bottomland habitat occurs along major creeks (Grassy Creek, <br />Sage Creek, Dry Creek) and their larger tributary draws. <br />On the Seneca II-W permit area, elevations range from 7,000 to over 7,700 feet. The <br />terrain is highest on the east side of the permit azea. N[uch of the-area slopes down to the west <br />towazd Hubberson Gulch; the north part of the area slopes northwest towazd Dry Creek. Mining <br />activity is largely confined to the southern two-thirds of the permit area. <br />Mountain brush and sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) are the two most common native <br />habitats on the permit area. A few aspen stands also exist, primarily on the east side. <br />Bottomland is very limited on the permit area. <br />METHODS <br />BIG GAME <br />One aerial survey for big game, primazily elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer <br />• (Odocoileus hemionus), was conducted on 2 February 2001. The 89.5 mil survey area was <br />seazched from a helicopter (Bell 47; Olatha Spray Service, Olatha, CO.) by systematically flying <br />each drainage and adjoining slopes in the area. The survey was started on the east side of the <br />azea at 0900 h and completed in the west at 1540 h, with a one hour break to allow for refueling. <br />Two TWC biologists and the helicopter pilot looked for big game and other wildlife <br />during the survey. The locations of all animal sightings (including big game, mammalian <br />predators, and grouse) were plotted on 1:24,000 topographic maps. Habitat associations were <br />also recorded for each observation. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />Searches for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks on the Seneca II-W permit area were <br />conducted on 5 May. A biologist searched for displaying grouse while slowly driving around the <br />permit azea. Frequent stops were made at vantage points to scan and listen for birds. <br />• <br />2001 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 2 <br />