2009-02-26_REPORT - C1994082 ‎(15)‎

• Permit No: C1994082
• IBM Index Class Name: REPORT
• Doc Date: 2/26/2009
• Doc Name: 2008 Annual Reclamation Report
• From: Seneca Coal Company
• To: DRMS
• Permit Index Doc Type: Annual Reclamation Report
• Email Name: DTM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• INTRODUCTION
In winter 2008, the Seneca Coal Company contracted ICF Jones & Stokes to conduct the annual
wildlife monitoring studies required for their Yoast Mine in western Routt County, Colorado.
Those studies included 1) monitoring six known Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus
phasianellus columbianus) leks and searching for new ones, and 2) monitoring all known golden
eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nests in the area. Field personnel also watched for sandhill crane
(Grus canadensis) activity during spring surveys for grouse and eagles. Unlike the previous
years, no winter big game surveys were required for the Yoast Mine in 2008, as coal extraction
has been completed and reclamation activities for the mine have commenced. Descriptions of
the study area, survey methods, and the 2008 results are presented below.
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 Yoast Mine is located approximately 9 miles southeast of Hayden, Routt County, Colorado
and encompasses nearly 4.4 square miles within the mine permit area. The wildlife survey area
includes all portions within a 0.5 mile perimeter surrounding the permit area and existing access
road that extends from the north in Sections 28, 29, 32 T6N:R87W and Section 5 T5N:R87W.
Elevations at the Yoast Mine range from 6,780 to 7,887 feet above sea level. The terrain varies
from rolling rangeland and agricultural fields in the north to high ridges and steep slopes in the
central and southern portions of the permit area. Several rocky ridgelines and moderately high,
exposed rock walls are present among the steeper slopes. Most of the area is drained by Grassy
Creek, which runs along the southeast margin of the permit area, but a small area along the
western extent drains to the west to Sage Creek.
Montane shrubland was the predominant native habitat among the higher elevations of the
undisturbed portions of the permit area. The shrubland habitats associated with the higher
• elevations in the west and southwest typically consisted of Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) with
2008 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 1