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contrast, from 2000 to 2002, elk densities in the Seneca II-W area were notably higher than <br />densities in the expanded area. That reversal probably resulted from an overall shift in wintering <br />elk distributions during those years from the eastern portions of the expanded survey area to the <br />central and western portions <br />The southern portion of the Seneca II-W survey area occurs within the higher elevations <br />(7,500 to 8,500 feet ASL) of the Williams Fork Mountains. Mountain brush habitats in the <br />northern part of the survey area, where more elk are usually observed, are generally less than <br />7,500 feet ASL. As mountain brush occurs throughout the survey area, it is possible that elk <br />prefer the northern area simply because of the lower elevations. The lower density of elk in the <br />southern portion of the survey azea usually dilutes the overall density in the Seneca II-W area. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />Although grouse have been observed just south of the Seneca TI-W haul road in NWYa <br />SE%< Section 22, TSN, R88W since 1998, it was not until females were positively identified on <br />the site in 2002 that it was officially considered a lek (Table I). Topography and vegetation at <br />• the site in previous years prevented remote observation of that site, thus generally restricting <br />' observers to flush counts. The Seneca II-W lek was active in 2003, and on 3 May, 8 males and 1 <br />female were documented at the lek. In 2003 the vegetation and terrain allowed for a complete <br />visual count at the Seneca II-W lek. <br />In late April 2002, mine personnel reported seeing at least four sharp-tailed grouse <br />displaying in reclamation in NE'/4 NEYa Section 15, TSN, R88W. This location is approximately <br />1.3 miles north of the Seneca II-W lek. When biologists surveyed the area in May 2002 and <br />2003, no sharp-tailed grouse were seen or heard in the vicinity. The area will continue to be <br />monitored in subsequent years to determine if a lek is present. <br />No blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were documented on the Seneca II-W permit <br />area during the 2003 surveys. However, this species was observed in the Seneca IT-W area each <br />spring from 1998 through 2000 and again in 2002. <br />2003 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring <br />Page 7 <br />"nM-:~-l.f *mrt,_E.1c#SMTta~~ 4~-:~i$n+4. _.'AC_ft>.s.-'dG ~~¢'Llw9%Y`P56'F:~UCr-d Y~. 's-.x~}i3:N`Ad;~v1.n,:0Y3Pi+F.'~t: S1Ai 9ACV]Xt~:c'k_'+iFt. ~_ Sy SWM^^~.:..~Y..i2lR~^*Y'YSb ia`~%u^t:' <br />