2008-03-12_REPORT - C1982057 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1982057
• 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-W Mine.
Studies included; 1) a winter aerial survey for big game, 2) monitoring two known Columbian
sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) leks and searching for new leks,
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 is now complete at the
Seneca II-W Mine, and reclamation activities are on-going.
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-W Mine is approximately seven miles south of Hayden, Routt County,
Colorado. The mine permit area occupies nearly 6.0 mil. Prior to 1994, the big game survey
area included the permit area; atwo-mile perimeter to the west, north and east of the mine; and a
three-mile perimeter to the south. That area totaled approximately 35.0 miz. In 1994, the survey
area was enlarged to gather additional information. The expanded area covered approximately
84.5 mil, and encompassed the Seneca II-W, Yoast, and Seneca II Mines and their perimeters.
That same area was surveyed in 1995. An additional one-mile strip was added along the
northwest edge of the area in 1996, 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-W 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.
2007 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1