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September 1, 2015 C-1996-084/Lorencito Canyon Mine JHB <br />Sampling was planned for future Phase II bond release submittal. Cover and species diversity would be collected. <br />The consultant did not propose to collect shrub data on the reclaimed area or on the Grassland reference area. This <br />is in agreement with the methodology found in the approved permit. <br />The consultant was planning to look at and evaluate the fenced shrub plot at the mine. <br />The proposed reclamation area parcel consisted of areas located on the east side of the "knob" and Fill 9. The <br />reclaimed parcel consists of steeply sloping east facing slopes, moderate to steep north facing slope, a ridge top, <br />and steep facing south facing slopes. The access road cuts through the sample parcel. Vegetation sampling will <br />not occur on the road. <br />Arcadis generated a 5M by 5M grid over the proposed sampling areas. Randomly generated transect start points <br />were determined in the office prior to locating transects in the field. Transect direction will be determined by <br />using the direction towards the next closest sample start point. If roads, steams, cliff banks, or fences are <br />encountered along a transect, the transect will either be "bent" 90 degrees prior to the hazard, or slid back along <br />the same direction to keep the transect within the approved sampling perimeter. This approach is acceptable to the <br />Division. Arcadis sent map copies of the transect start location and the proposed sample parcels to Division prior <br />to the sampling effort. <br />The grassland reference area also has disturbances due to third parry oil and gas development. If a randomly <br />located transect falls within a disturbed area, that transect will not be used, and another randomly located transect <br />used instead. The consultant will sample a minimum of 15 cover transects in each of the reference and reclaimed <br />areas, or enough samples to achieve statistical sample adequacy as described in the Division's 1995 bond release <br />guideline document. <br />The fenced shrub plot continues to struggle with shrub establishment. Grass vegetation is very thick within the <br />fenced plot. The Division's experience has been that grass species tend to outcompete the slower growing shrubs <br />for available resources, The location of the plot also appears to exhibit poor drainage. Earlier this spring, LCC <br />flagged the surviving shrub seedlings within the plot. A number of the flagged seedlings have since died. Four - <br />wing saltbush and sumac are surviving. <br />There is one tamarisk plant located south of the gate. This weed will require removal. There are a handful of <br />Diffuse knapweed located to the northeast of the northeast corner of the fenced plot. LCC may have treated these, <br />but some remain viable. Removal of the dead plants may help reduce potential spread by tumbling of the standing <br />dead. <br />Due to the limited survival of the shrubs, the Division recommends a thorough evaluation of the plot. Soil <br />fertility, texture and water holding capacity test would provide important detail. LCC will need to replant woody <br />species to fulfill the woody stem component of the success standards. If drainage, soil fertility or other parameters <br />limit the qualifications of the fenced enclosure, LCC may need to consider a fenced plot in another location as <br />well. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 3 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Page 4 of 12 <br />