REP46238

• Permit No: C1982057
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 3/31/1998
• Doc Name: 1997 ARR 1997 WILDLIFE MONITORING
• Permit Index Doc Type: ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• INTRODUCTION
In 1997, Seneca Coal Company contracted Powder River Eagle Studies Inc. (PRES) to
conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II-W Mine. Studies included a winter aerial survey for
big game and checking golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests near the permit boundary. Presented
below are descriptions of the study area, survey methods, and results.
Questions or comments concerning the information contained th this report should be
directed to the attention of Mr. Roy ICaro, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company,
Drawer D, Hayden, CO 81639, telephone [phone].
STUDY AREA
The Seneca II-W Mine is approximately 7 miles south of Hayden, Routt Counry, Colorado;
the mine permit area is about 3.8 mil. Prior to 1994, the big game survey area included the
permit area; a 2-mile perimeter to the west, north and east of the mine; and a 3-mile perimeter
to the south. That area totaled approximately 35 miz. In 1994, the survey area was enlarged to
• gather additional information. The expanded survey area covered approximately 84.5 miz and
encompassed the Seneca II, Yoast, and Seneca II-W Mines; that same area was surveyed in 1995.
An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the area in 1996 thus,
increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 miz (Exhibit 1). That same area was
surveyed in 1997. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites proximate to the permit
area.
The big game survey area is in the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork Mountains, south
of the Yampa River. Elevations over the area range from 6100 feet in the north to over 8300 feet
ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with mountain brush characterize the
topography and vegetation of the expanded area. Aspen (Populus tremu[oides) stands are scattered
throughout the area, but mainly occur along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of
fir (Abies spp.) are found at the highest elevations. Rolling rangeland and agricultural fields are
in the north-central, extreme northwest, and southeast portions of the area. Bottomland habitat
occurs along major creeks--Grassy Creek, Sage Creek, Dry Creek--and their larger tributary
• draws.
1997 Seneca 11-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1