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• 1 In 2005, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc. <br />(TWC), formerly Powder River Eagle Studies, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Yoast Mine. <br />Studies included I) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring four known Columbian <br />sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks and seazching for new ones, <br />and 3) monitoring known golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched <br />for sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) activity during spring surveys. Descriptions of the study <br />area, survey methods, and results are presented below. <br />Questions or comments about this report should be directed to the attention of Mr. Roy <br />Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO 81639, <br />telephone (970) 276-5217. <br />STUDY AREA <br />The Yoast mine is approximately nine miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, <br />Colorado; the mine permit area encompasses nearly 3.3 mil. In 1993, the big game survey azea <br />. included the permit area and its one-mile perimeter, and a'/a-mile buffer on either side of the haul <br />road corridor (approximately 21.4 mi2). In 1994, the survey area was enlarged to gather <br />additional data. The expanded area covered approximately 84.5 mil, and included the Yoast, <br />Seneca II, and Seneca II-W Mines and their perimeters. That same area was surveyed in 1995. <br />An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the area in 1996, increasing <br />the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 mil (Exhibit.l). That area was also surveyed <br />each yeaz from 1997 through 2005. Sharp-tailed grouse lek searches and monitoring were <br />limited to the Yoast permit area and suitable habitats in the immediate vicinity. Golden eagle <br />nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit azea. <br />The big game survey area was within the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork <br />Mountains, south of the Yampa River. Elevations across the azea range from 6,100 feet above <br />sea level (ASL) in the north, to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges <br />covered with mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. <br />The mountain brush community is dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and <br />• serviceberry'(Amelanchier alnifolia). Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are <br />2005 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring - Page I <br />