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March 25, 2014 C- 1992 - 080 /Carbon Junction Mine MLT <br />• The grading work accomplished in the Carbon Junction Channel area in Nov. 2013 appears <br />to have passed the first winter without experiencing any problems (Photo 1). The regraded <br />slopes were stabile, with no erosion or slumping in evidence (Photo 2). <br />We traversed the upper lip of the reclaimed slope at the North Pit and found no signs of <br />instability or erosion (Photo 3). Given the steep dip angle of the sandstone substrate, the <br />success of this reclaimed slope is remarkable. <br />FISH and WILDLIFE — Rule 4.18: <br />• We observed abundant evidence, tracks droppings, of mule deer within the permit area. <br />Permit records indicate that the Division of (Parks and) Wildlife consider the elevated areas <br />southeast of Durango to be critical winter habitat for deer and elk. <br />• Two small horned lizards were spotted. <br />ROADS — Rule 4.03 <br />Construction 4.03.1(3) / 4.03.2(3); Drainage 4.03.1(4) / 4.03.2(4); Surfacing and Maintenance <br />4.03.1(5) and (6) / 4.03.2(5) and (6); Reclamation 4.03.1(7) / 4.03.2(7): <br />• On the North Pit Road, erosional damage observed in 2013 had been repaired, and a series of <br />earthen check dams had been constructed in the hillside ditches to slow the runoff from <br />future storm events. <br />During the office meeting, we discussed the various roads that Oakridge wishes to retain as <br />permanent features. Formal resolution of this topic will be accomplished under the <br />upcoming permit revision. <br />RECLAMATION SUCCESS - Rule 4.15, Rule 3: <br />• A band of approximately a dozen horses, owned by a neighbor to the Oakridge property, <br />roams freely across the reclaimed area, grazing on the vegetation. Manure was scattered <br />throughout the permit area. <br />REVEGETATION — Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br />Areas reseeded in the major 2006 reclamation effort showed good cover with a mixture of <br />grasses, which were turning green with this season's new growth. The reclaimed North Pit, <br />in particular, exhibits good cover and variety (Photo 4). <br />Mr. Savage presented three potential reference areas. The first lay within the switchback of <br />the North Pit road, and included a mixture of pinon juniper and mountain shrub communities <br />with some grass in the understory (Photo 5). The second was located southeast of the <br />reclaimed South Pit (now part of the gravel permit area), and consisted of broad grassy areas <br />with scattered trees and brush (Photo 6). The third area was located southeast of the former <br />Equipment Area. This site had more pinon juniper, with cobbles on the surface, and <br />comparatively little grass. The second area is a likely candidate for a reference area. <br />ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS /COMPLIANCE <br />No enforcement actions were initiated as a result of this inspection, nor are any pending. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 3 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 Page 3 of 7 <br />