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resulted in a more complete count during the January 1996 survey. The very low density <br />recorded during the December 1994 was probably a due to poor ground conditions (patchy snow <br />cover) and the use of a fixed-wing aircraft during the survey. Both of those factors affected the <br />observers' ability to detect animals and resulted in some undercounting. <br />During each of the three surveys completed since December 1994, herds were widely <br />distributed over the entire survey area, but were conspicuously absent from the agricultural fields <br />and grasslands in the north-central part of the area. Because there are no tall grasses or shrubs <br />in those habitats, the vegetation is typically covered by snow in winter. Consequently, there is <br />very little winter forage for big game in that part of the survey area. Few herds have been seen <br />on either the Seneca II-W or Seneca II permit areas during the surveys. <br />Seneca II-W Mine and Perimeter <br />Observations made on the 35-miz area that includes the Seneca II-W Mine permit area and <br />its perimeter are listed in Table 1. Forty-five sightings of elk were made within that area; none <br />of the herds were on the permit area. Elk density in the 35-mil area around Seneca II-W was 14.5 <br />animals/miz. That was slightly higher than the density on the expanded survey area. In addition <br />to elk, 15 mule deer (3 herds), 1 coyote, 10 sharp-tailed grouse, and 1 golden eagle were seen in <br />the Seneca II-W area (Exhibit 1). <br />As in the larger survey area, the vast majority of the elk seen (471) around the Seneca II- <br />W Mine were in mountain brush habitat. Small numbers were in aspen (26 elk) and grassland (12 <br />elk). During all previous surveys, almost of the elk seen were also in mountain brush. <br />Elk density in the vicinity of Seneca II-W during the December 1994 and January 1995 <br />surveys was less than the density recorded in the expanded survey area (Figure 1). As noted <br />above, in 1996 elk density in the Seneca II-W area was somewhat greater than in the expanded <br />area. <br />RAPTOR NESTS <br />Seven raptor nests were located proximate to Seneca II-W Mine during the aerial and <br />ground surveys. All of the nests were in the 1-mile perimeter around the mitre (Exhibit 1). Three <br />• nests were in trees and probably had been built by either red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) or <br />1996 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 5 <br />