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Peabody Sage Creek Mine <br />SL -3 Phase III Bond Release Request <br />July 2014 <br />Regarding Alternative Test D, the total number of native species encountered in the first thirteen <br />100 sq.m. (2 in x 50 m) cover samples (based on an adequate sample) for the 2011 BRB PSCM -1 <br />Phase III area was 35, greater than the weighted reference area average species density of 34.1 <br />species per 100 sq.m.. Hence Alternative Test D is passed. <br />In summary for 2011 species diversity, Mandatory Test A passed as did Alternative Tests C and <br />D. Thus, the species diversity test under Phase III criteria is passed for 2011 BRB PSCM -1. <br />Postmining Land Use <br />The postmine land uses for the PSCM are livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Grazing has <br />been conducted for a number of years at PSCM (Seneca II Mine prior) to implement and <br />demonstrate the postmine land use. Additionally, grazing encourages re- establishment and <br />enhancement of native diversity and woody plant density. The grazing season at PSCM has <br />historically been from mid July to mid- September. The 2010 estimated stocking rate based on <br />herbaceous production data, forage palatability and a fifty percent (50 %) proper use factor is 0.9 <br />acres per animal unit month (AUM). The estimated stocking rate for 2011 based on herbaceous <br />production, forage palatability and the above proper use factor is 0.64 acres per AUM. These <br />values reflect the range of historic stocking rate levels at the PSCM and Seneca II Mine. The <br />good stocking rate values between 2011 and 2012 represent adequate growing season <br />precipitation; good winter snow pack and soil recharge potential in the years prior to and during <br />the vegetation sampling and lower temperatures during the sampling years. <br />PSCM (originally under Seneca II Mine) reclaimed area livestock grazing was initiated in 1987 <br />with a small herd of long yearlings in the 356 acre Wadge Pasture located in the central portion of <br />the original Seneca II Mine permit area. By 1996, all PSCM reclaimed areas with adequately <br />developed reclamation were opened for grazing with approximately 254 head of long yearlings <br />run that year. In 2010 with additional reclaimed lands available, the number increased to 994 <br />head of long yearlings. The 2010 grazing program resulted in an estimated 24.8% forage <br />utilization of the reclaimed land production on all grazed reclaimed lands (current Seneca II lands <br />and former Seneca II lands now included in PSCM). Grazing in 2011 was lighter and 320 long <br />yearlings were run just short of one month for an estimated forage utilization of 14 %. Grazing in <br />2013 on the current PSCM permit area included 1547 long yearlings for a period of one month. <br />22 <br />