2013-09-20_REPORT - C1981014 (2)

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2012 Reclamation Report Southfield Mine Four (which is 33 %) of the twelve shrub and tree seedling plots were also sampled during 2006. Plots sampled were: 1B; 2B; 2E; & 3C. The plots are labeled and can be seen on Map 1, Mine Site Reclamation Map. Averages of overall survival of species are as follows: Ponderosa Pine, 87.5 %; Rocky Mtn Juniper, 74.2 %; Skunkbush Sumac, 51.3 %; Mountain Mahogany, 44 %; Pinion Pine, 62.5 %. The Rocky Mtn Juniper fared best of the plots sampled ranging from 66.7 % to 100 %. Mountain Mahogany had the higher mortality rate of the sites sampled. It was visibly noticeable that the Mountain Mahogany appeared more stressed & suffered more mortality than the other seedling species. With limited precipitation during both years 2011 and 2012, the small trees and shrubs are showing signs of stress due to the lack of moisture. During the summer season of 2010, triangular structures of woven wire fencing and steel fence posts were installed around selected tree and shrub transplants that showed stress or damage from wildlife browsing. Previously Revegetated Areas Previously revegetated areas at the Mine Site include the main facilities area, small ancillary facility areas, and the west portion of the refuse disposal area that were seeded with the permanent seed mix in 2003. The remaining previously revegetated areas (pre 2003) lay primarily on the east and mid portion of the refuse disposal area. The more recent areas seeded and mulched in 2003 exhibited good vegetative conditions considering the relatively dry winter & spring seasons during 2007 - 2008. Midsummer monsoon rains during 2008 then brought instant improvement & vigor to the vegetation. Moisture during 2009 was adequate for continued good growth. Although the fall season of 2010 had little rainfall, spring moisture and monsoon rains proved well for the vegetation. Reports by the Division (2011) state that the vegetation on the sites continue to do well and that the successful results are serving as an effective erosion control as well. The winter season of 2011 yielded very little snow melt and precipitation during 2012 was also very low. Although moisture was low, on the non - sloping sites, the vegetation appeared stunted but maintained sufficiently to serve adequately for erosion control. The southwest slope of the Refuge Disposal Area (RDA) did not fare as well during the summer season of 2012. Grasses were short and sparse on the south slope area but sufficient to curtail erosion on the slope. Only slight rilletts were noticeable on the south slope. The Loadout Area was seeded to the permanent revegetation seed mixture in 1997. Poor initial vegetative establishment resulted in the decision to reseed the entire Loadout Area in 1999. Limited topsoil availability and extended drought conditions had hindered effective vegetative reestablishment in the Loadout Area. Through ongoing discussions with the DRMS, limited interseeding (25 percent of area) of the reclaimed Loadout area was approved by the DMG (DRMS), with the understanding that this limited work would not affect the current liability 5