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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 Seneca II-W <br />Mine. Studies included 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring one known <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) lek and searching for <br />new ones, and 3) monitoring known golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also <br />watched for sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) activity during spring. 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) 276-5105. <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 6.0 miZ. Prior to 1994, the big game survey area <br />• included the permit area; atwo-mile perimeter to the west, north and east of the mine; and a <br />three-mile perimeter to the south. That area totaled approximately 35.0 mil. In 1994, the survey <br />area was enlarged to gather additional information. The expanded area covered approximately <br />84,5 min, and encompassed the Seneca II-W, Yoast, and Seneca II Mines and their perimeters. <br />That same area was surveyed in ] 995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the <br />northwest edge of the area in 1996, increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 <br />min (Exhibit 1). That area was surveyed each year from 1997 through 2003. Sharp-tailed grouse <br />lek searches and monitoring were limited to the Seneca II-W permit area and suitable habitats in <br />the immediate vicinity. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit <br />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 feet above sea level (ASL) <br />in the north to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with <br />mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The mountain <br />. brush community is dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry <br />2003 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring <br />Page 1 <br />-„tea ka+.._ ~ ~ ~~r&x -..-.r>.,. ~ ,., __.._~~7, _~-er~ser¢s~:a*~ r ems; . ~. <br />