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into the 84-miZ survey area. The herds were widely distributed over the entire survey area on 23 January, but were noticeably absent from the agricultural fields and grasslands in the north-central part of the area, and along the extreme southwest edge of the area (Exhibit 1). Clusters of herds were seen in the south-central and northeast parts of the area. Almost all of the elk seen were in mountain brush habitat. A few herds were observed in rough breaks (13 elk) and bottomland (10 elk). Elk had been observed in reclaimed grassland at the Seneca Mine on 28 December 1994, but none were seen in that habitat on 23 January. In addition to elk, 7 herds of mule deer (34 animals) were seen during the survey. Lone coyotes (Canis latrans) were seen at three locations in the area (Exhibit 1); a single red fox (Yulpes vulpes) was also recorded. Three sharp-tailed grouse (7~mpanuchus phasianellus) were • seen flying below the helicopter. Raptors observed included six golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocepha[us). Observations made on the 21.4-miZ area that includes the Yoast Mine permit area and its one-mile perimeter, and the haul road corridor are listed in Table 1. Sixteen sightings of elk were made within that area; two herds (8 animals) were on the proposed permit area and 14 herds (126 elk) were in the perimeter. Elk density in the azea around Yoast was 6.3 animals/miZ. That was approximately 14% less than the 7.3 elk/miZ recorded over the entire 84-miZ survey area. During the December 1994 survey, elk density in the vicinity of Yoast was identical to the density recorded in the 84-mil survey azea. Appazently, elk do not tend to concentrate in the immediate area around Yoast. However, additional data points are needed before that assumption can be verified. The only other animal recorded in the vicinity of Yoast on 23 January was a golden eagle (Table 1). 1995 Yoast Minc Site Big Game Aerial Survey Page 4