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• INTRODUCTION <br />In 2007, the Seneca Coal Company contracted Jones & Stokes (J&S), formerly <br />Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Yoast Mine. Studies <br />included; 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring six known Columbian sharp- <br />tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks and searching for new ones, and 3) <br />monitoring known golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for <br />sandhill crane (Gnus canadensis) activity during spring surveys. Descriptions of the study area, <br />survey methods, and results are presented below. Coal extraction is now complete at the Yoast <br />Mine, and reclamation activities are on-going. <br />Questions or comments regarding this report should be directed to the attention of Mr. <br />Roy Karo, Environmental Coordinator, Seneca Coal Company, P.O. Box 670, Hayden, CO <br />81639, telephone (970) 276-5217. <br />STUDY AREA <br />• The Yoast mine is approximately nine miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, <br />Colorado; the mine permit area encompasses nearly 3.3 miZ. In 1993, the big game survey area <br />included the permit area and its one-mile perimeter, and a 3/a-mile buffer on either side of the haul <br />road corridor (approximately 21.4 mi`). In 1994, the survey area was enlarged to gather <br />additional data. The expanded area covered approximately 84.5 miZ, and included the Yoast, <br />Seneca II, and Seneca II-W Mines and their perimeters. That same area was surveyed in 1995. <br />An additional one-mile strip was added along the northwest edge of the area in 1996, increasing <br />the big game survey area to approximately 89.5 miZ (Exhibit 1). That area was surveyed each <br />year from 1996 through 2007. Sharp-tailed grouse lek searches and monitoring were limited to <br />the Yoast permit area and suitable habitats in the immediate -vicinity. Golden eagle nest <br />monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit area. <br />The big game survey area was within the brushy foothills of the Williams Fork <br />Mountains, south of the Yampa River. Elevations across the area ranged from 6,100 feet above <br />sea level (ASL) in the north, to over 8,300 feet ASL in the south. Steep slopes and high ridges <br />covered with mountain brush characterize the topography and vegetation of the expanded area. <br />The mountain bnish community was dominated by Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii) and <br />2007 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page t <br />