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INTRODUCTION <br />• In 2000, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Powder River Eagle Studies (PRES) to <br />conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II Mine. Studies included: 1) a winter aerial survey <br />for big game, 2) monitoring two known Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus <br />phasianel[us columbianus) leks and searching for new ones, and 3) checking golden eagle <br />(Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for sandhill crane (Crus canodensis) <br />activity in spring. A description of the study area, survey methods, and results are presented <br />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 Seneca II Mine is approximately nine miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, <br />Colorado; the mine permit area occupies about 5.5 mil. Prior to 1994, the big game survey <br />• area included the permit area and aone-mile perimeter (approximately 17.5 miry. In 1994, the <br />survey area was enlarged to gather additional data. The expanded area covered approximately <br />84.5 mir, and included the Seneca II, Yoast, and Seneca II-W Mines; that same area was <br />surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the area <br />in 1996, thus increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 mir (Exhibit 1). That <br />area was surveyed each year from 1997 through 2000. Surveys for game bird leks were <br />limited to the Seneca II permit area and its one-mile perimeter. Golden eagle nest monitoring <br />was restricted to sites on 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 to <br />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 (Qreercus gambelii) and serviceberry (Amelanchier <br />alnifolia). Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands are scattered throughout the area, but occur <br />• mainly along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of fir (Abies spp.) are found at <br />2000 Seneca 11 Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page I <br />