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July 14, 2014 C- 1994- 082/Yoast Mine JHB <br />REVEGETATION — Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br />A limited patch of Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), a Colorado Noxious weed, was identified <br />on the west side of the access road, south of the corrals. These plants were flagged with flagging tape. SCC needs <br />to control these noxious weeds in accordance with the approved weed control plan. <br />An infestation of Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) was previously identified on the top of Pond 10 <br />embankment. This Colorado noxious weed has become dormant and is already drying out. This drying of the <br />goatgrass made it apparent that this infestation is larger than initially thought. The weed patch is mostly limited to <br />the top of the Pond 10 embankment. However, vehicles drive over the embankment, through this weed patch and <br />run the risk of spreading additional weed seed on the vehicle. Until this noxious weed patch is controlled, it would <br />be advised to minimize vehicle traffic through the weed patch. <br />The Division is very concerned about the Jointed goatgrass. Apri12014 was the first time this noxious species had <br />been identified on the mine site. Jointed goatgrass is very difficult to control if it invades winter wheat crops. <br />Routt County, and fields adjacent to the tie - across haul road grow Winter wheat as a crop. Quick control of this <br />noxious weed is vital. Coordination with the Routt County Weed Program may provide effective approaches to <br />management of Jointed goatgrass. <br />A significant patch of Jointed goatgrass was located along access road LU 31and at the access to topsoil stockpile <br />"b" (Exhibit 12 -1a). Another Patch of Jointed goatgrass was identified on the west side of Shrub plot SP07 -2. <br />Individual goatgrass plants were also observed spreading alongside PM -9, where maintenance vehicles drive to <br />access Pond I IA. <br />Individual Perennial pepperweed plants were identified at the eastern side of Topsoil stockpile "c ". These plants <br />were flagged with flagging tape as well. <br />Other weed species; Canada thistle, Houndstongue, and Whitetop were observed occasionally throughout the <br />reclamation. Although these noxious weed species are present within the reclamation, the inspector did not <br />identify concentrated patches that would be considered infestations. SCC needs to continue to control these <br />species. <br />Shrub and tree transplants have survived well. The Boxelder transplants show no sign of having been browsed. <br />Willows and narrow leaved cottonwoods have experienced some browsing, but still appear healthy and vigorous. <br />There is a bare patch north east of Pond 12, along the access corridor to topsoil stockpile L. This spot appears to <br />have been seeded recently as evidenced by drill rows. Some perennial grasses are beginning to emerge, however, <br />this area is currently dominated by Canada thistle and Bull thistle. The Noxious species need to be controlled to <br />allow perennial species to become established. (Photo) <br />SIGNS AND MARKERS — Rule 4.02: <br />Mine identification sign on main entrance road from Routt County Road No. 27 is still askew and falling <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Page 4 of 8 <br />