REP11759

• Permit No: C1994082
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 3/31/1998
• Doc Name: 1997 WILDLIFE MONITORING
• Permit Index Doc Type: ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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Wildlife baseline studies were completed at the Yoast Mine site in 1993. Since then, a
winter survey for big game in the vicinity of the mine has been conducted annually. In addition
to the big game survey, Seneca Coal Company contracted Powder River Eagle Studies Inc.
(PRES) to complete other wildlife surveys in 1997 including: monitoring sharp-tailed grouse
(Tympanuchus phasianellus) leks, checking golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests, and searching
for sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) use and nesting areas. Presented below are descriptions of
the study area, survey methods, and results.
Questions or cotnments concerning the information contained in this report should be
directed to the attention of Mr. Roy Karo, Envirotunental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company,
Drawer D, Hayden, CO 81639, telephone [phone].
STUDY AREA
The Yoast property is approximately 8 miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County,
• Colorado; the mine permit area is about 3.25 mil. In 1993, the big game survey area included
the permit area and its 1-mile perimeter, and a 3k-mile buffer on either side of the haul road
corridor (approximately 21.4 mi'-). In 1994, the survey area was enlarged to gather additional
data. The expanded area covered approximately 84.5 miz and included the Seneca II, Yoast, and
Seneca II-W Mines; that same area was surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added
along the northwest edge of the area in 1996 thus, increasing the big game survey area to
approximately 89.5 mil (Exhibit 1). That same area was surveyed in 1997. Surveys for game
bird leks and sandhill crane use areas were limited to the Seneca II permit area and its 1-mile
perimeter. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit area.
The big game 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
ASL 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 area, but mainly occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of
• fir (Abies spp.) are found at the highest elevations. Rolling rangeland and agricultural fields are
in the north-central, extreme northwest, and southeast portions of the area. Bottomland habitat
1997 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1