2017-08-08_REVISION - C1981010 (3)

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areas sampled during 2017 is given in Table 1.2-4. A summary of individual transects, reclaimed parcels and reclaimed blocks is presented in Appendix 2. Table 1.2-1 indicates that the Phase II cover standard was achieved for the sampled block. The reclaimed block summary in Appendix 2 further indicates that plant cover sample adequacy was easily achieved for the areas sampled. Shrub density data is included in Tables 1.2-1 and 1.2-3 for interest only, as shrub density is not a Phase II bond release requirement. These data also serve to help demonstrate that plant diversity is being achieved on all Range Sites A and B bond release blocks. Table 1.2-2 breaks out sampling results at a plant life form and plant species level for cover. This table gives a good indication of the overall performance of individual grass and forb species in reclaimed vegetation communities. Dominant grass species include a variety of Wheatgrasses, Kentucky Bluegrass, Sheep Fescue, Mountain Brome and Great Basin Wildrye. Other grasses that appear to be well established and contributing to plant community diversity are Green Needlegrass and Smooth Brome. Dominant forb species include Western Yarrow, Lewis Flax and Alfalfa. Other established forbs that contributed to diversity are Cicer Milkvetch, Balsamroot, Penstemon spp. and Small Burnett. Detection of several perennial noxious weeds (Whitetop and Canada Thistle) at low levels indicates a need to continue weed control efforts, which is occurring on an annual basis. Due to favorable early spring moisture and a subsequent very dry summer, Cheatgrass was well represented in the proposed bond release area. It was a cheatgrass year but it is expected that Cheatgrass will continue to decrease as the plant community matures in future years. Stem density results in Table 1.2-3 demonstrate that five shrub species, Big Sagebrush, Silver Sagebrush, Rubber Rabbitbrush, Bitterbrush and Snowberry make up the vast majority of the shrubs counted on belt transects. Saskatoon Serviceberry, Fourwing Saltbush and Mountain Snowberry are also well established in lower numbers across the reclaimed lands included in this bond release application. Additionally, shrub clumps provide mature Gambel's Oak, Chokecherry, Mtn Snowberry and Saskatoon Serviceberry plants which add greatly to both community and structural diversity on Trapper's reclaimed lands. Relative cover evaluation of perennial plant species and life forms for block and parcel summaries in Appendix 2 conclusively demonstrates that established plant species are exhibiting seasonality and species composition supportive of the post -mining land use. to