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• sagebrush-grassland and stands of trembling aspen. As in the expanded area, most eik seen in <br />the Seneca II-W area from 1994 through 2001 were in mountain brush. <br />During most of the surveys completed since ] 994, elk density in the vicinity of Seneca II- <br />W has been slightly lower than the density recorded in the expanded area (Figure 1). The <br />southem portion of the Seneca II-W survey area occurs in the higher elevations (7,500 to 8,500 <br />feet) of the Williams Fork Mountains. Mountain brush habitats in the northern part of the survey <br />area, where more elk are usually observed, aze generally less than 7,500 feet. The low density of <br />elk in the southern portion of the survey area usually dilutes the overall density in the Seneca II- <br />W area. In I997, 2000, and 2001, elk density in the Seneca [I-W area exceeded that in the <br />expanded area. Even in those years, elk were sparse in the southern portion of the Seneca II-W <br />area. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />In 1998, a potential sharp-tailed grouse lek was found.on a grassy knoll just south of the <br />Seneca II-W haul road in NW'/4 SE'/4 Section 22, TSN, R87W. Topography and vegetation <br />• prevent remote observation of that site, thus generally restricting observers to flush counts. Four, <br />three, and five grouse were flushed from the site in 1998, 1999, and 2000 respectively. In 2001, <br />four male sharp-tailed grouse were observed feeding on the site. When the biologist approached <br />the lek and flushed the birds, no other grouse were observed. <br />Despite four consecutive yeazs of grouse activity at this site, it cannot be classified as a <br />lek until both male and female grouse are positively identified. <br />Blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were observed along the Seneca II-W haul road <br />(NE'/< SW'/< Section 22, TSN, R87W) each year from 1998 through 2000. No blue grouse were <br />heard or seen on the permit area during 2001. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NESTING <br />A cluster of five golden eagle nests exist on a cliff face above Hubberson Gulch in <br />Sections 16 and 21, TSN, R88W (Exhibit 1). On 5 May, eagles were seen incubating at the <br />southern-most nest. That territory has been monitored since 1996, and was known to be active <br />• during four of those six years (1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001). <br />2001 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 6 <br />