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Upland Game Birds <br />Three sharp-tailed grouse leks were discovered in the Yoast area during baseline studies. <br />The leks were designated STG-1 (in SE'/a SE'/a Section 5, TSN, R87W), STG-2 (in NE'/a SE'/a <br />Section 9, TSN, R87W), and STG-3 (in SE'/a NW'/a Section 9, TSN, R87W). In 1997, PRES <br />monitored the leks on 20, 22, and 23 April. Each day, a biologist drove or walked to a vantage <br />point and counted the birds present. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />On 20 April, known golden eagle nests on or within one mile of the permit area were <br />checked for activity. A biologist observed the nests through a spotting scope from a vehicle <br />parked at a vantage point. Nests were watched until their status (active, inactive, alternate, etc.) <br />could be determined. <br />SANDHILL CRANE ACTIVITY <br />• Surveys for sandhill crane use areas were conducted over four days from 20 through 23 <br />April. On those days, a biologist searched habitats most likely to attract cranes, such drainages <br />and meadows. <br />RESULTS AND DISCUSSION <br />BIG GAME <br />The sky was partly cloudy during the 30 January aerial survey. Although no snow had <br />fallen in the days immediately preceeding the survey, the area was covered with a uniform blanket <br />of snow. Snow depth was approximately one-three feet over the entire area. Because the snow <br />cover was so extensive, visibility was rated as excellent during the survey. <br />Expanded Survey Area <br />A complete listing of all observations made during the aerial survey is given in Appendix <br />I. All sightings are also plotted on Exhibit 1. A total of 676 elk (7.6 animals/mil) were seen <br />during the survey. Of the 95 elk sightings made, slightly more that half consisted of individuals <br />or groups of less than five animals. Herds of six to ten elk made up about a quarter of the <br />1997 Yoas[ Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3 <br />