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areas sampled during 2014 is given in Table 1.2 -4. A summary of individual transects, reclaimed parcels <br />and reclaimed blocks is presented in Appendix 2. <br />Table 1.2 -1 indicates that the Phase II cover standard was achieved for the sampled block. The <br />reclaimed block summary in Appendix 2 further indicates that plant cover sample adequacy was easily <br />achieved for the areas sampled. <br />Shrub density data is included in Tables 1.2 -1 and 1.2 -3 for interest only, as shrub density is not a Phase II <br />bond release requirement. These data also serve to help demonstrate that plant diversity is being <br />achieved on all Range Sites A and B bond release blocks. <br />Table 1.2 -2 breaks out sampling results at a plant life form and plant species level for cover. This table <br />gives a good indication of the overall performance of individual grass and forb species in reclaimed <br />vegetation communities. Dominant grass species include a variety of Wheatgrasses, Kentucky <br />Bluegrass, Sheep Fescue and Great Basin Wildrye. Other grasses that appear to be well established and <br />contributing to plant community diversity are Green Needlegrass, Mountain Brome and Smooth Brome. <br />Dominant forb species include Western Yarrow, Lewis Flax and Alfalfa. Other established forbs that <br />contributed to diversity are Cicer Milkvetch, Balsamroot, Penstemon spp. and Small Burnett. Detection of <br />several noxious weeds (Whitetop, Musk and Canada Thistles) at low levels indicates a need to continue <br />weed control efforts, which is occurring on an annual basis. <br />Stem density results in Table 1.2 -3 demonstrate that five shrub species, Big Sagebrush, Silver Sagebrush, <br />Rubber Rabbitbrush, Bitterbrush and Snowberry make the vast majority of the shrubs counted on belt <br />transects. Saskatoon Serviceberry, Fourwing Saltbush and Mountain Snowberry are also well established <br />in lower numbers across the reclaimed lands included in this bond release application. Additionally, shrub <br />clumps provide mature Gambel's Oak, Chokecherry, Mtn Snowberry and Saskatoon Serviceberry plants <br />which add greatly to both community and structural diversity on Trapper's reclaimed lands. A qualitative <br />observation made while monitoring shrubs during 2014 was that a majority of woody plants established on <br />reclaimed areas have been heavily browsed by wildlife species. This heavy wildlife browsing appears to <br />limit woody plant growth and establishment potential. <br />Relative cover evaluation of perennial plant species and life forms for block and parcel summaries in <br />Appendix 2 conclusively demonstrates that established plant species are exhibiting seasonality and <br />species composition supportive of the post- mining land use. <br />6 <br />