2008-03-12_REPORT - C1982057 (2)

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• nearby Yampa River, bald eagles have rarely been documented within the area during these surveys. The observations were of lone adults either perched within a stand of aspen or flying over the area. Seneca II-W Mine and Perimeter Relevant wildlife observations within the 35.0 mil area that includes the Seneca II-W Mine permit area and its one-mile perimeter are listed in Appendix I. Big game observations are illustrated on Exhibit 1. During the 2007 aerial survey, 46 elk herds (323 individuals) were documented in the Seneca II-W area. Eight of those herds (49 animals) were located within the mine permit area and 38 herds (274 animals) were in the perimeter. In 2007, the observed elk density within the Seneca II-W area averaged 9.2 elk/mi2. This represents a slight decrease from numbers observed in 2006, and approximates the 13 year average of 9.8 elk/mi2 (excludes December 1994 data). From 1994 through 2007, densities have fluctuated from 1.4 to 14. 5 elk/miz, and since 1995, have exhibited a slight overall increasing • trend. Of the three mines within the extended survey area, elk densities within the Seneca II-W area have exhibited the least amiual variation. Densities within this area follow the general pattern observed in expanded area (two peaks of higher densities in 1996 through approximately 1998 and 2003 through 2005). During the surveys in 2007, all elk were observed in the Seneca II-W area were associated with mountain brush habitat. With the exception of the far northwest and southeast portions (sagebrush grasslands and exceptionally steep slopes and cliffs), elk herds were observed throughout the Seneca II-W area (Exhibit 1) during the 2007 survey. They were typically more concentrated in the northern portion of the Seneca II-W area where elevations were generally less than 7,500 feet ASL. The southern part of the survey area occurs within the higher elevations.(7,500 to 8,500 feet ASL) of the Williams Fork Mountains and generally harbors deeper snow. Other animals recorded in the Seneca II-W area included seven mule deer herds (36 animals), seven coyotes, four golden eagles, and two bald eagles. All mule deer observed within the Seneca II-W survey area were within mountain brush habitat. Two herds (14 individuals) were observed within the permit area, at the edge of reclaimed habitats. One of the bald eagles CJ 2007 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 8