2008-03-12_REPORT - C1980005

• Permit No: C1980005
• IBM Index Class Name: REPORT
• Doc Date: 3/12/2008
• Doc Name: 2007 Annual Reclamation Report
• From: Seneca Coal Company
• To: DRMS
• Permit Index Doc Type: Annual Reclamation Report
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• INTRODUCTION
In 2007, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Jones & Stokes (J&S), formerly
Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II Mine. Studies
included; 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring four known Columbian sharp-
tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks and searching for new ones, and 3)
monitoring known golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for
sandhill crane (Gnus canadensis) activity during spring surveys. Descriptions of the study area,
survey methods, and results are presented below. Coal extraction and final reclamation activities
have been completed for the Seneca II Mine, and portions of the mine property have been sold to
private entities.
Questions or comments regarding this report should be directed to the attention of Mr.
Roy Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO
81639, telephone [phone].
• STUDY AREA
The Seneca II Mine is approximately nine miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County,
Colorado; the mine permit area occupies nearly 5.5 mil. Prior to 1994, the big game survey area
included the permit area and aone-mile perimeter (approximately 17.5 mi2). In 1994, the survey
area was enlarged to gather additional data. The expanded area covered approximately 84.5 miz,
and included the Seneca II, Yoast, and Seneca II-W Mines and their perimeters. This 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 mil (Exhibit 1).
That area was surveyed each year from 1996 through 2007. Sharp-tailed grouse lek searches and
monitoring were limited to the Seneca II permit area and suitable habitats in the immediate
vicinity. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit area.
The big game survey area was within the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork
Mountains, south of the Yampa River. Elevations over the area ranged from 6,100 feet above sea
level (ASL) in the north to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges
covered with mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area.
• The mountain bnish community was dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and
2007 Seneca I[ Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1