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August 10, 2015 C-1982-057/Seneca II -W Mine JHB <br />random placement of a 1/2 W quadrat, with all live vegetative growth clipped and sorted by life form. Samples <br />will be oven dried in accordance with the permit methodology prior to weighing for biomass values. Cover data is <br />collected using an ocular point frame with 2 points collected every meter along a 50 M long transect. First hit data <br />is reported for cover. CCA also collects all -hit for species diversity and frequency information. Woody plant <br />density values are collected within a belt transect alongside the cover transect. Cover and production will be <br />collected to sample adequacy using the Snedecor-Cochran formula found in the Division's 1995 guideline. <br />Dominant species visually noted in this area included wheatgrass complex (numerous wheatgrasses-Western, <br />Intermediate, Slender, and various interbreeds), Arrowleaf balsamroot, sagebrush, wild onion. <br />CCA then moved the sampling effort east of pond 6 in a parcel seeded in 2004. Vegetation sampling in this parcel <br />represents the first year of sampling to be used for a phase III bond release application in the future. This area was <br />dominated by Great basin wildrye, alfalfa, Smooth brome, Orchardgrass as well as wheatgrasses. Cattle had not <br />yet been in this area prior to sampling. <br />CCA also sampled the Sagebrush/snowberry reference area while the inspector observed. This community was <br />composed of older sagebrush intermixed with snowberry , serviceberry, Rabbitbrush, Antelope bitterbrush, and <br />perennial grasses, Poa ampla, Western wheatgrass, with some introduced Wheatgrasses invading from adjacent <br />previously disturbed areas, as well as perennial forbs, asters, lupine, Western yarrow etc. <br />The vegetation sampling was being sampled in agreement with the approved permit methodology, Division <br />regulations, and guidelines. The inspector left the samplers at this point. <br />Another sampling crew was finishing up sampling in Pit 1 at the far southern extent of the permit area when a light <br />rain started in the afternoon of 8/11. <br />REVEGETATION — Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br />The vegetation looks very good throughout the reclaimed areas. The spring and summer have had good <br />precipitation even into August with few high intensity thunderstorms. Cattle have not been grazing on the site in <br />anticipation of data collection for reclamation success determination. Once the data collection is complete, cattle <br />can be turned onto the reclaimed areas. <br />The good moisture year has also benefited the weedy species throughout the site. Musk thistle, Bull thistle and <br />Canada thistle are the most visually dominant noxious species. SCC has been abreast of weed control throughout <br />the mine site. Evidence of chemical take-up and subsequent weed die -off was observed throughout. Areas left <br />bare due to weed control measures may need additional seed in these limited areas as part of the weed control <br />measures. <br />The parcel seed in 2013 immediately east of Pond 16 is showing excellent vegetation establishment. Boxelder <br />survival in the unfenced shrub plot on the north side of this parcel is fair as well. <br />Cottonwood survival in SP2004 (006 Gulch) look very good. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Page 4 of 10 <br />