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great enough density to pose a problem for 2013 the seed that it produced will most likely <br />lead to an abundance of Russian thistle for 2014. <br />The portions of RS -5 which was seeded in 2010 are doing excellent with good diversity. <br />Erosion/sedimentation was not an issue on any of the sites. The surface roughness created <br />during reclamation adequately retained precipitation and sediment on the sites. <br />Other Observations <br />Concerns were previously expressed over the potential for forage kochia spreading and <br />becoming more aggressive than desired. Observations in 2013 indicate that this species <br />continues to behaving well. It is showing little signs of spreading beyond the intended sites <br />and does not appear to be forcing other perennial vegetation out. It is, however, competing <br />well with cheatgrass and has become established on Refuse Pit #1 where cheatgrass has <br />been a long term problem. It has also established well on the very severe south - facing <br />slopes at the East Portal area. <br />Recommendations <br />The reclaimed areas appear hydrologically stable and generally in good condition. <br />Cheatgrass continues to be a cyclical problem impacting long term vegetation success at <br />many of the sites. Further investigation into means for long term control of cheatgrass is <br />warranted not only for this mine site but for many mines throughout the and West. <br />Anticipated Reclamation Activities for 2014 <br />Seeding of the four exploration drill holes will occur in the Spring of 2014. These sites were <br />constructed, drilled, plugged and reclaimed except for seeding in the Fall of 2013. Early <br />snows prohibited seeding in 2013. Some interim reclamation is also planned in the Spring <br />2014 on new drill sites to help with site stabilization. <br />In the Fall of 2014 we plan to reclaim the LWB 12 -X and N9 -XX sites. <br />