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cover measured on the Sagebrush reference area in 2013 was 19.5 %. Cover on the <br />reclaimed area exceeds cover on the reference area. Statistical demonstration aside from <br />sample adequacy calculation was not needed. The Division finds that the vegetative <br />cover exceeds the requirement for Phase II cover establishment. <br />Although, not a part of the Phase II bond release requirement, the Division evaluates <br />vegetation sampling data at Phase II to determine if the reclamation is progressing <br />towards Phase III success criteria. Woody Plant Density success criteria for Phase III <br />success requires establishment of 500 stems per acre. No woody stem data was included <br />with the Phase II data (nor was any required), so no determination can be made regarding <br />woody stem establishment at this time. The cover sampling in 2013 measured 13.98% <br />cover attributed to shrub and tree species on the reclamation and 16.67% cover of tree <br />and shrub species on the Sagebrush reference area. <br />The diversity standard for Phase III success requires that a minimum of 3 perennial <br />species provide a minimum of 3% cover but no individual species shall contribute more <br />than 60% relative cover. Two of the species contributing greater than 3% relative cover <br />shall be cool season perennial grasses. On the reclaimed parcel, the 2013 sample data <br />measured five perennial species contributing more than 3% but less than 60% relative <br />cover, with no one species exceeding 60% relative cover. There were two cool season <br />perennial grasses with more than 3% relative cover; Western wheatgrass and Great basin <br />wildrye. Production was not sampled in 2013. <br />Based on the 2013 sample data, the reclaimed parcel vegetation is becoming established <br />in accordance with the reclamation plan. <br />2 <br />