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Herds were widely distributed over the expanded area during each of the seven surveys. <br />• However, herds were always conspicuously absent from the agricultural fields and grasslands <br />in the northwest, north-central, and southeast parts of the area. Because [here are no tall <br />grasses or shrubs in those habitats, the vegetation is typically covered by snow in winter. <br />Consequently, there is little readily available winter forage for big game in those portions of <br />the survey area. In most years, more herds were observed on the Yoast permit area than on <br />either the Seneca II or Seneca II-W permit areas. <br />Seneca ll Mine and One-Mile Perimeter <br />Observations made on the 17.5 mil area that includes the Seneca II Mine permit area <br />and its one-mile perimeter are listed in Table 1; big game observations are illustrated on <br />Exhibit 1. Seven groups of elk were seen within that area; three herds (25 animals) were on <br />the permit area and four herds (95 animals) were in the perimeter. Elk density in the area <br />around Seneca was 6.9 animals/miZ, only slightly lower than that on the expanded survey area. <br />Other animals observed in the vicinity of Seneca II during the aerial survey included nine <br />• sharp-tailed grouse and a coyote. <br />With the exception of four elk in reclaimed grassland on the Seneca II permit area, all <br />others were in mountain brush habitat (Table 1). As in the expanded survey area, the majority <br />of elk seen during each survey completed since 1994 were in mountain brush. The last time <br />elk were recorded in reclaimed grassland at Seneca II during a winter survey was in December <br />1994. Elk probably avoid grassland habitats (reclaimed or otherwise) when deep snow makes <br />forage less accessible. Reclaimed grassland should be more attractive to elk during other <br />seasons. Elk were regularly observed in reclamation at Seneca Il during other surveys in April <br />2000. <br />During most surveys completed since December 1994, elk density in the vicinity of <br />Seneca II was greater than the density recorded in the expanded survey area (Figure 1). The <br />combination of topographic features and habitats apparently make the Seneca II area slightly <br />more attractive to elk than other portions of the expanded area. <br />• <br />2000 Seneca tt Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 6 <br />