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• INTRODUCTION <br />In 2008, the Seneca Coal Company contracted ICF Jones & Stokes (ICF J&S), formerly <br />Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, to conduct wildlife monitoring at the Seneca II Mine. Studies <br />included; 1) monitoring four known Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus <br />columbianus) leks and searching for new ones, and 2) monitoring known golden eagle (Aquila <br />chrysaetos) nests. Field personnel also watched for sandhill crane (Gnus canadensis) activity <br />during spring surveys. Descriptions of the study area, survey methods, and results are presented <br />below. Coal extraction and final reclamation activities have been completed for the Seneca II <br />Mine, and portions of the mine property have been sold to private entities. <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 Seneca II Mine is approximately nine miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, <br />• Colorado; the mine permit area occupies nearly 5.5 mil. Sharp-tailed grouse lek searches and <br />monitoring were limited to the Seneca II permit area and suitable habitats in the immediate <br />vicinity. Golden eagle nest monitoring was restricted to sites on or near the permit area. <br />Within the Seneca II permit area, elevations ranged from 6,750 to over 8,100 feet ASL. <br />The terrain steadily sloped upward from west to east across the area and steep slopes occurred <br />along two drainages in the north-central and southeast corner of the permit area. <br />Mountain brush was the predominant native habitat throughout most of the undisturbed <br />portions of the permit area, while big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) habitat occurred primarily <br />in the southwest portion of the area. The few aspen stands were limited to north- and east-facing <br />draws at upper elevations. Bottomland was limited to narrow bands along larger drainages. <br />Reclaimed lands within the permit area were dominated by grasslands, but also harbored some <br />shrub-grasslands. <br />n <br />U <br />2007 Seneca 11 Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page I