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cover and density, with some portions well above the standard and others more barren. A re- <br />claimed site, and areas within the site, should be evaluated as a whole with the understanding <br />that some portions with lower plant cover, whether due to rock outcrops, poor soil, steep slopes, <br />or other conditions, will be offset by portions with higher plant cover. <br />4.0 CURRENT RECLAMATION STATUS <br />The mine site underwent a reclamation effort in October and November of 2008 including partial <br />slope reduction on the north pit, redistribution of remaining stockpiled topsoil, ripping of the <br />backfilled central area surface, and seeding of these areas. Mine disturbance areas with re- <br />spread topsoil cover include the perimeter of the mine disturbance and appear as grey in Photo <br />1 (Appendix B contains all photographs). The access road and a cement pad with bins will re- <br />main as permanent features as approved by DRMS. <br />Limited stockpiled topsoil, which has been entirely spread, did not provide for a topsoil cover of <br />the central portion of the mine. The largest portion is a former mined area that was backfilled <br />with remnant scoria material from the site and graded level ( "Central Flat" area in Photo 1). Al- <br />so a remnant area of various pits and outcrops is present on the western portion of the site. <br />This has very low vegetative cover due to the consolidated igneous material surface; however <br />this area provides increased bird and small animal habitat (Photo 2) .2 Two fine - material scoria <br />stockpiles remain on the eastern portion of the site and have not been reclaimed. <br />4.1 SURVEY METHODS <br />The monitoring survey method used consisted of recording average cover and diversity in rela- <br />tively similar areas as presented in the Results (Section 4.2). Vegetative cover was determined <br />by ocular observation of the entire area and estimating as an overall average. Plant diversity <br />was determined by traversing each area and recording all species observed. <br />4.2 SURVEY RESULTS <br />Erosion and Slope Stability <br />Almost six years after major reclamation and earthwork efforts, the grading at the Mesita Hill <br />Mine blends well with the surrounding landscape. No erosion has occurred and no riling was <br />2 M.A. Rumble, 1989, Wildlife Associated with Scoris Outcrops: Implication for Reclamation of Mined <br />Lands, U.S. Forest Service Research Paper RM -285; available online 17Jul2014 at <br />www.fs.fed.us /rm /pubs rm /rm rp285.pdf <br />3 <br />