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?,??,EwT oFTy <br />9 <br />United States Department of the Interior <br />FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE <br />Ecological Services <br />764 Horizon Drive, Building B <br />Grand Junction, Colorado 81506-3946 <br />IN REPLY REFER T0: <br />ES/CO:OSM <br />TAILS 65413-2009-FA-0038 <br />August 4, 2009 <br />Dan Mathews, Specialist <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />101 South Third, Suite 301 <br />Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 <br />Dear Mr. Mathews: <br />'-\ <br />G <br />We received your June 25, 2009 correspondence describing proposals; by the following three <br />mines to terminate wildlife monitoring: <br />Seneca II Mine Permit Number C-1980-005 Technical Revision Number 49 <br />Seneca II Mine West Permit Number C-1982-057 Technical Revision Number 64 <br />Yoast Mine Permit Number C-94-082 Technical Revision Number 41 <br />Seneca states that since mining has ceased and reclamation/revegetation activities have been in <br />place for a number of years there is no longer a need to continue annual winter aerial big game <br />surveys. We would suggest you consult with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, who is <br />responsible for big game management, to determine if they agree with Seneca's decision to <br />discontinue monitoring for big game. In addition the company has requested to discontinue <br />monitoring for Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus), <br />Sandhill Crane (Gros canadensis) and Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The company states <br />that since there is no active mining or blasting and limited human disturbance in the area there is <br />no longer a need for wildlife monitoring. <br />Based on the fact that there is no longer active mining we agree with Seneca's decision to <br />discontinue monitoring. However, if in the future mining will be resumed, if would be <br />advantageous to maintain an active accounting of wildlife use in the area to avoid critical use <br />areas by continuing to document active leks and territories. Maintaining an active accounting of <br />golden eagle territories could facilitate future activities by providing historic information <br />concerning active golden eagle nests and territories.