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INTRODUCTION As part of wildlife monitoring studies conducted at the Seneca Mine II-W, an aerial survey for big game is performed annually in winter. In 1995, Peabody Western Coal Company contracted Powder River Eagle Studies Inc. (PRES) to conducted the aerial survey. Presented below aze descriptions of the study azea, survey methods, and results. Questions or comments concerning the information contained in this report should be duected to the attention of Mr. Brian P. Dunfee, Environmental Affairs Department, Peabody Western Coal Company, 1300 S. Yale, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, telephone (602) 774-5253; or Mr. Chuck LaRue, Environmental Affairs Department, Peabody Western Coal Company, P. O. Box 625, Kayenta, AZ 86033, telephone (602} 677-5085. • STUDY AREA The Seneca II-W Mine is approximately 7 miles south of Hayden, Routt County, Colorado; the mine permit azea is about 3.8 mil. Prior to 1994, the big game survey azea included the permit azea; a two-mile perimeter to the west, north, and east of the mine; and a three-mile perimeter to the south. That survey area totaled approximately 35 miZ. In 1994, the survey azea was expanded to gather regional data. Thor[ same area was surveyed in 1995. The expanded survey area totaled approximately 84.5 miZ and extended from Seneca II-W Mine on the west to the Seneca Mine on the east (Exhibit 1). The entire survey area is in the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork Mountains, south of the Yampa River. Elevations over the area range from 6100 feet in the north to over 8300 feet above sea level in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation . of the expanded area. Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are scattered throughout the azea, but mainly occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir are found at the 1995 Senora II-W Mine Big Game Acrial Smvry Page 1