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INTRODUCTION <br />In 2003, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc. <br />(TWC), formerly Powder River Eagle Studies, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II <br />Mine. Studies included 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring three known <br />Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus} Ieks and searching for <br />new ones, and 3) checking golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched <br />for sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) activity during spring. Descriptions of the study area, <br />survey methods, and results are presented below. <br />Questions or comments about this report should be directed to the attention of Mr. Roy <br />Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO 81639, <br />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 azea occupies about 5.5 miz. Prior to 1994, the big game survey azea <br />. included the permit area and cone-mile perimeter (approximately 17.5 mi2). In 1994, the survey <br />area was enlarged to gather additional data. The expanded area covered approximately 84.5 mil, <br />and included the Seneca II, Yoast, and Seneca II-W Mines and their perimeters. This same azea <br />was surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the <br />area in 1996, thus increasing the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 min (Exhibit 1). <br />This area was surveyed each year from 1997 through 2003. Sharp-tailed grouse lek searches and <br />monitoring were limited to the Seneca II permit area and suitable habitats in the immediate <br />vicinity. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit area. <br />The big game survey area was in the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork Mountains, <br />south of the Yampa River. Elevations over the area range from 6,100 feet above sea level (ASL) <br />in the north to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges covered with <br />mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. The mountain <br />brush community was dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and serviceberry <br />(Amelanchier alnifolia). Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands were scattered <br />throughout the area, but occurred mainly along the upper reaches of drainages. Isolated stands of <br />2003 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1 <br />