REP16873

• Permit No: C1982057
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 3/30/1995
• Doc Name: 1994 ARR APPENDIX B 1994 BIG GAME AERIAL SURVEY
• Permit Index Doc Type: ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

•
INTRODUCTION
As part of wildlife monitoring studies conducted at the Seneca IIW Mine, an aerial survey
for big game is performed annually in winter. In 1994, Peabody Western Coal Company
contracted Powder River Eagle Studies Inc. to conducted the aerial survey. Presented below are
descriptions of the study area, survey methods, and results.
Questions or comments concerning the information contained in this report should be
n
U
directed to the attention of Mr. Brian P. Dunfee, Environmental Affairs Department, Peabody
Western Coal Company, 1300 S. Yale, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, telephone [phone]; or Mr.
Chuck LaRue, Environmental Affairs Department, Peabody Western Coal Company, P. O. Box
625, Kayenta, AZ 86033, telephone [phone].
STUDY AREA
The Seneca II-W Mine is approximately 7 miles south of Hayden, Routt County,
Colorado; the mine petmit area is about 3.8 miZ. In previous years, the big game survey area
included the permit area; atwo-mile perimeter to the west, north, and east of the mine; and a
three-mile perimeter to the south. That survey area totaled approximately 35 miz. In 1994, the
survey area was expanded to gather regional data.
The expanded survey area totaled approximately 84.5 mi'' and extended from the Seneca
r1
II-W Mine on the west to the Seneca Mine on the east (Exhibit 1). The entire 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 above sea level in the south.
Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush characterize the topography and
vegetation of the expanded area. Aspen (Populus tremteloides) stands are scattered throughout
the area, but mainly occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir are found
1994 Seneca 11-w Mine Big Game Aerial Survey Page I