Laserfiche WebLink
INTRODUCTION <br />. In 2003, 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 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring four known Columbian <br />sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks and searching for new ones, <br />and 3) checking golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for <br />sandhill crane (Gnus canadensis) activity during spring. Descriptions of the study area, survey <br />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} 276-5105. <br />STUDY AREA <br />The Yoast mine is approximately eight miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, <br />Colorado; the mine permit area encompasses about 3.3 mil. In 1993, the big game survey area <br />. included the permit area and its one-mile perimeter, and a'/<-mile buffer on either side of the haul <br />road corridor (approximately 21.4 miZ). 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 miZ (Exhibit 1). That area was also surveyed <br />each year from 1997 through 2002. Sharp-tailed grouse lek searches and monitoring were <br />limited to the Seneca II permit area and suitable habitats in the immediate vicinity. Golden eagle <br />nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit area. <br />The big game survey area is in the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork Mountains, <br />south of the Yampa River. Elevations across the area range from 6,100 feet above sea level <br />(ASL) in the north, to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered <br />with mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The <br />mountain brush community is dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and servicebetry <br />. (Amelanchier alreifolia). Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are scattered throughout <br />2003 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1 <br />