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(1994, 1995, and 2000-2003), elk density in the vicinity of Seneca II has been higher than that of <br />expanded survey area. <br />During 2003, 98% of the elk observed were in mountain brush habitat and the remaining <br />2 % were in sagebrush/grass]and (Appendix I). Elk were only recorded in reclaimed grassland at <br />the Seneca II Mine during the December 1994 and January 2000 surveys. Elk likely avoid <br />grassland habitats {reclaimed or otherwise) when deep snow makes forage less accessible. <br />Reclaimed grassland should be more attractive to elk during other seasons. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />The decline of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in Colorado has been attributed to the loss <br />and degradation of native grassland, sagebrush-grassland, and mountain brush habitats (Hoffman <br />2001). It has been recognized that post-mining reclamation provides suitable habitat for lek sites, <br />nesting, and brood rearing. Reclamation at Seneca II boasts three leks (Exhibit 1). The total of <br />number of males observed attending leks within reclamation at Seneca II has increased every <br />year from 15 in 1995 to 64 males in 2003 (Table 1). <br />The Seneca #1 lek was active for the ninth consecutive year in 2003, Twenty-one grouse <br />were flushed from the lek on 2 May. Prior to flushing the birds, a minimum of 18 males and 3 <br />females were identified (Table 1). Vegetation and terrain allowed for a complete visual count at <br />the Seneca #1 lek in 2003. The peak number of males attending the lek increased slightly each <br />year from 1997 through 2000, with a substantial increase observed in 2001 (Table 1). Grouse <br />numbers were lower during 2002 and 2003, but still exceeded those from most previous counts. <br />The second lek in reclamation, Seneca #2, was active for the sixth consecutive year <br />during 2003. On 2 May, 28 males and 6 females were documented at the lek. Vegetation and <br />terrain allowed for a complete visual count at the Seneca #2 lek. Peak male attendance has <br />increased by nearly three fold since it was first discovered in 1998, and has averaged more than <br />20 males per year since 2000. <br />The third lek in reclamation, Seneca #3, was active for the second consecutive year in <br />2003. In past years (1998-2000) a number of male sharp-tailed grouse were observed in that <br />area, but no females had ever been observed. On 2 May 2003, 18 males and 3 females were <br />. observed on the lek. Vegetation and terrain allowed for a complete visual count at the Seneca #3. <br />2003 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 7 <br />