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average native species density of 31.0 species per 100 square meter. Hence Alternative Test D <br />is Passed in 2014. <br />Thus, for 2014 species diversity, Mandatory Test A was passed as were Alternative Tests C and D <br />but not Test B. Since Test A passed plus two of the three alternative tests the BRB PSCM-2 <br />Phase III species diversity criteria as a whole is passed for 2014. <br />Successful revegetation for the parameter of species diversity was demonstrated in both <br />2012 and 2014. <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 2012 estimated stocking rate based on <br />herbaceous production data, forage palatability and a fifty percent (509/6) proper use factor (PUF) <br />is 2.3 acres per animal unit month (AUM — the forage required to carry one animal unit for one <br />month). The estimated stocking rate for 2014 based on herbaceous production, forage <br />palatability and the above proper use factor is 0.9 acres per AUM. The 2014 stocking rate reflects <br />above average precipitation for the 12 months prior to 2014 sampling and the lower stocking rate <br />for 2012 reflects below average precipitation prior to the 2012 sampling. However, these values <br />reflect the range of historic stocking rate levels at the PSCM (and historically for the previous <br />Seneca II Mine). The good stocking rate values represent generally adequate growing season <br />precipitation and the outcome of reclamation best practices that encourage restoration of <br />ecosystem function and forage production potential. <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 PSCM permit area. By 1996, all previous Seneca II and current PSCM reclaimed <br />areas with adequately developed reclamation were opened for grazing with approximately 254 <br />head of long yearlings run during the 1996 grazing season. In 2010 with additional reclaimed <br />lands available, the number increased to 994 head of long yearlings. The 2010 grazing program <br />resulted in an estimated 24.8% total forage utilization (52% of PUF forage) of the reclaimed land <br />