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Wildlife baseline studies were completed at the Yoast Mine site in 1993. In 2000, the <br />Seneca Coal Company contracted Powder River Eagle Studies (PRES) to conduct wildlife <br />monitoring at the Yoast Mine. Studies included: I) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) <br />monitoring three known Columbian sharp-[ailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus <br />columbianus) leks and searching for new ones. Field personnel also watched for sandhill crane <br />(Gros canadensis) activity in spring. A description of the study area, survey methods, and <br />results aze presented below. <br />Questions or comments concerning the information contained in this report should be <br />directed to the attention of Mr. Roy Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, <br />P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO 81639, telephone (970) 276-5105. <br />STUDY AREA <br />The Yoast property is approximately eight miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, <br />• Colorado; [he mine permit area encompasses about 3.25 mil. In 1993, the big game survey <br />area included the permit area and its one-mile perimeter, and a '/a -mile buffer on either side of <br />the haul road corridor (approximately 21.4 miZ). In 1994, the survey area was enlarged to <br />gather additional data. The expanded area covered approximately 84.5 miZ, and included the <br />Yoast, Seneca II, and Seneca [I-W Mines; that same area was surveyed in 1995. An <br />additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the area in 1996, thus <br />increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 miZ (Exhibit 1). That area was also <br />surveyed each year from 1997 through 2000. Surveys for game bird leks were limited to the <br />permit area and its one-mile perimeter. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on <br />or near the permit 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 ASL in the north, <br />to over 8,300 feet in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush <br />characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The mountain brush <br />• community is dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry (Amelanchier <br />afnijolia). Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are scattered throughout the area, but mainly <br />2000 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page I <br />