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• In 2000, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Powder River Eagle Studies (PRES) [o <br />conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II-W Mine. Studies included: 1) a winter aerial <br />survey for big game, 2) searching for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuc/tus <br />phasianellus columbianus) leks, and 3) checking golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field <br />personnel also watched for sandhill crane (Crus canadensis) activity in spring. A description <br />of the study area, survey methods, and results are presented below. <br />Questions or comments concerning the information contained in this report should be <br />directed to the attention of Mr. Roy Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, <br />P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO 81639, telephone (970) 276-5105. <br />STUDY AREA <br />The Seneca II-W Mine is approximately seven miles south of Hayden, Routt County, <br />Colorado; the mine permit area occupies about 3.8 miz. Prior to 1994, the big game survey <br />area included the permit area; atwo-mile perimeter to the west, north and east of the mine; and <br />• a three-mile perimeter to the south. That area totaled approximately 35 miz. In 1994, the <br />survey area was enlazged to gather additional information. The expanded area covered <br />approximately 84.5 miz, and encompassed the Seneca II-W, Yoast, and Seneca II Mines; that <br />same area was surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest <br />edge of the area in 1996, thus increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 miz <br />(Exhibit 1). That azea was also surveyed each year from 1997 through 2000. Sharp-[ailed <br />grouse lek searches were limited to the permit area; golden eagle nest monitoring was <br />restricted to sites proximate to 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 over the area range from 6,100 ASL feet in the north to <br />over 8,300 feet in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush <br />characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The mountain brush <br />community is dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry (Amelanchier <br />alnifolia). Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are scattered throughout the area, but mainly <br />• occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir (Abies spp.) are found at the <br />2000 Seneca II~W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page I <br />