Laserfiche WebLink
intermediate wheatgrass (4.0 %). Few shrubs were observed on the site. Vegetative <br />cover was good and no erosion problems were noted. Herbaceous production in <br />2013 was 1,152 pounds per acre. <br />Support of Post Mining Land Use <br />The three reclaimed areas of the Hawk's Nest Mine have a vegetative cover <br />composed of a variety of grasses, forbs and shrubs. The seasonality and forage <br />characteristics of the vegetative species are suitable for the approved post - mining land <br />use of wildlife habitat. Evidence that deer and elk use the two sites has been <br />documented in the past and fresh sign were seen on both sampling trips. No weed <br />problems or significant bare areas were observed during the 2012 and 2013 sampling <br />or the final field inspection. <br />The vegetative cover on reclaimed areas appears to be preventing rill and gully <br />formation. No evidence of instability was found. Based on the observed successful <br />wildlife use on the site, the Division finds that the revegetation on the reclaimed areas <br />of the Hawk's Nest Mine is capable of supporting the post - mining land use. The <br />Division believes the requirements of Rule 4.16.1 have been met. <br />Completion of Final Inspection Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />As previously explained, the Division conducted a bond release inspection on <br />October 24, 2013. The inspection was conducted in accordance with Section <br />3.03.2(2). The Division's bond release inspection report is on file at its Denver <br />office and is incorporated by reference in this written finding. Jim Stark <br />represented the Division. Howard Strand, representing the Office of Surface <br />Mine, was also present. The inspection focused on a final evaluation of all <br />reclaimed areas, including erosion and slope stability of the reclaimed lands, and <br />implementation of the post mining land use. As explained in the Division's <br />inspection report, field observations support a finding to approve a termination of <br />jurisdiction and liability release. <br />Completion of Evaluation Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />The Division has conducted an evaluation of the reclamation work, in accordance <br />with Section 3.03.2(2). This evaluation considered, among other things: the results of <br />inspections and monitoring and the need for further reclamation work. The evaluation <br />concluded that all reclamation has been completed in the bond release area. <br />V. SUMMARY <br />The Hawk's Nest Mine is a permit revocation/bond - forfeiture site. One public <br />comment was received concerning the TOJ process from a landowner within the <br />permit area (immediately adjacent to the disturbance at the West Mine). The Division <br />8 <br />Hawk's Nest East and West Mines Termination of Jurisdiction (SL -01) <br />C- 1981 -016 February 24, 2015 <br />