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Seneca 11 Mine <br />SL -6 Phase 111 Bond Release Request <br />June 2014 <br />production, forage palatability and the above proper use factor is 2.25 acres per AUM. These <br />values reflect the range of historic stocking rate levels at the Seneca II Mine. The difference in <br />values between 2011 and 2012 represents the differences in growing season precipitation as well <br />as the good 2010/2011 winter snow pack soil recharge potential relative to the poorer 2011/2012 <br />snowpack and precipitation conditions. <br />Seneca II Mine reclaimed area livestock grazing was initiated in 1987 with a small herd of long <br />yearlings in the 356 acre Wadge Pasture located in the central portion of the original Seneca II <br />Mine permit area. By 1996, all Seneca II Mine reclaimed areas with adequately developed <br />reclamation were opened for grazing with approximately 254 head of long yearlings run that year. <br />In 2010 with additional reclaimed lands available, the number increased to 994 head of long <br />yearlings. The 2010 grazing program resulted in an estimated 24.8% forage utilization of the <br />reclaimed land production on all grazed reclaimed lands (current Seneca II lands and former <br />Seneca II lands now included in PSCM). The current Seneca II Mine reclamation (271 acres) has <br />been grazed for the last 5 to 8 years. Grazing in 2013 on the current Seneca II permit area <br />included 160 long yearlings for a period of one month. Estimated forage utilization was 33 %. <br />Note that because of the need for logical management units the current Seneca II property is <br />grazed in conjunction with the adjacent PSCM reclaimed lands. The same livestock operator <br />(Camelletti & Sons) has used the Seneca II Mine reclaimed lands for grazing during the entire <br />grazing program. The operator considers the reclaimed areas as key management units in his <br />annual livestock operations and a valuable forage source in terms of both quality and quantity. <br />Results of grazing are presented in the Seneca II and PSCM Annual Reclamation Reports for <br />each year since 1988. <br />Wildlife monitoring was conducted annually at the Seneca II Mine through 2010. The current <br />smaller Seneca II Mine was included in the baseline wildlife survey conducted for the Peabody <br />Sage Creek mine in 2008. Since 2010 the general mine area has been included in annual raptor <br />next monitoring and Columbian Sharp - tailed grouse counts. These results are included in the <br />annual reports submitted to CDRMS. Additionally, CDRMS inspection personnel note wildlife <br />observations in their ongoing inspection activities at the mine. <br />24 <br />