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INTRODUCTION <br />In 2006, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Thunderbird -Jones & Stokes (J&S), • <br />formerly Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II-W <br />Mine. Studies included 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring two known <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks and seazching for <br />new leks, and 3) monitoring known golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also <br />watched for sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) activity during spring surveys. Descriptions of the <br />study 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) 276-5217. <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 neazly 6.0 mil. 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 a • <br />three-mile perimeter to the south. That area totaled approximately 35.0 mil. In 1994, the survey <br />area was enlazged to gather additional information. The expanded azea covered approximately <br />84.5 miz, and encompassed the Seneca II-W, Yoast, and Seneca II Mines and their perimeters. <br />That same area was surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the <br />northwest edge of the azea in 1996, increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 <br />miZ (Exhibit 1). That azea was surveyed each year from 1996 through 2006. 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 was within the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork <br />Mountains, south of the Yampa River. Elevations over the azea range from 6,100 feet above sea <br />level (ASL) in the north to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges <br />covered with mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded azea. <br />The mountain brush community is dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and • <br />2006 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1 <br />