REP25274

• Permit No: C1980005
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 4/2/1999
• Doc Name: 1998 WILDLIFE MONITORING
• Permit Index Doc Type: ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• surveys. Snowfall from the onset of winter through January 1996 was considerably greater
than in other years. Excessive snow probably pushed more animals out of the higher
elevations of the Williams Fork Mountains and north into the survey area in January 1996.
There was less snow fall in winter 1996-1997, and the density of elk in the area in January
1997 was very comparable to the density noted in 1995. Although snow fall was also minimal
through January 1998, the density of elk in the area at that time was the highest ever recorded.
Apparently, the local elk population has increased in recent years.
During each of the five surveys completed since December 1994, herds were widely
distributed over the survey area, but were conspicuously absent from the agricultural fields
and grasslands in the northwest, north-central, and southeast parts of the area. Because there
are no tall grasses or shrubs in those habitats, the vegetation is typically covered by snow in
winter. Consequently, there is very little readily available winter forage for big game in those
parcels of the survey area. Few herds have been seen on either the Seneca II or Seneca II-W
permit areas during [he surveys; more herds have been observed on Yoast.
i Seneca II Mine and 1-Mile Perimeter
Observations made on the 17.5-mi' area that includes the Seneca iI Mine permit area
and its 1-mile perimeter are listed in Table 1. Seventeen sightings of elk were made within
that area; two herds (27 animals) was on the permit area and 15 herds (338 animals) were in
the perimeter. Elk density in the area around Seneca was 20.9 animals/mil. That was 47%
higher than the density on the expanded survey area. A golden eagle was the only other
animal recorded in the vicinity of Seneca Ii Mine on 241anuary.
As in the expanded survey area, the vast majority of the elk seen around Seneca ii
Mine were io mountain brush habitat; the only other habitat that held a substantial percentage
of animals was aspen (Table 1). A small number of elk (7) were seen was native grassland;
none were seen in reclamation.
The majority of elk seen during each survey completed since 1994 were in mountain
brush. Elk were recorded in reclaimed grassland at the Seneca [I Mine during the December
1994 survey, but none were seen in that habitat during other surveys.

1998 Seneca 11 Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 6