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PSCM LLC provided a measure of species diversity on the reclaimed area comprised of the mean <br />number of species per 100 MZ. This value is determined from the cover transects. PSCM LLC <br />calculated an average of 10.6 vegetative species per 100 MZ with a standard deviation of 4.8. <br />Three species, Intermediate wheatgrass, Alfalfa, and Smooth Brome comprised 82% of the <br />relative cover [r.c.] (35.47% r.c., 25.69% r.c., and 20.8% r.c. respectively). Four additional <br />vegetative species, Big Sagebrush (3.67% r. c.), Rubber Rabbitbrush (3.06% r.c.), Thickspike <br />wheatgrass (2.75% r.c.), and Rocky Mountain fescue (2.14% r.c.) comprised an additional 11.62 <br />% relative cover. Additional species were present with relative cover less than 2 %. <br />Only two noxious weeds were encountered during the herbaceous cover sampling, Canada thistle <br />(Cirsium arvense, syn. Breea arvensis) 0.31% r.c., and Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) <br />0.31% r.c. Noxious weed species were minimally encountered and, were not present in <br />concentrations that were considered problematic. Cover attributed to noxious species was <br />removed from the mean herbaceous cover results. <br />The first -hit herbaceous cover for the reclaimed pre -law area meets the requirement for the <br />reclaimed area to be diverse, effective, permanent cover, native to the area, capable of self <br />regenerating and plant succession without dependence on irrigation, soil amendments, or <br />fertilizer. The cover should be at least equal in extent to the natural area prior to mining. <br />Introduced species are ok as temporary help towards native species establishment. <br />The post- mining land use is rangeland with wildlife habitat. PSCM LLC grazes cattle on the <br />reclaimed area regularly in accordance with the approved grazing plan. PSCM LLC did not <br />provide productivity data for the Pre -law BRB 1 area. Herbaceous vegetative production is not <br />required for The 1969 Act or 1973 Act success determination. Recovery from regular grazing <br />confirms that the reclaimed community is permanent and self - sustaining. <br />The Division finds that the reclaimed BRB 1 (Old Wolf Creek Pit) pre -law area exhibits a <br />successful, diverse, elf- sustaining, self - regenerating herbaceous community, and finds that this <br />area is successful for vegetation re- establishment. <br />