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map of the subject parcel <br />Findings and observations <br />The Team proceeded to the reclaimed West Pit to evaluate post -mining topography, surface <br />stability, and drainage control. To verify backfill to approximate original contour, DRMS uses <br />GPS -enabled electronic field devices to collect elevation readings along randomly generated <br />transects. The Team walked two transects in the reclaimed West Pit and one transect in the <br />reclaimed East Pit and collected elevation data approximately every 300 feet, for 22 points total. <br />The comparison between these data and pre -mining elevation readings will be made in the <br />coming weeks and included as part of the Division's findings document. <br />Overall, surface stability was excellent. All highwall had been eliminated, and no settling, <br />slumping, or erosion of the backfilled overburden and topsoil was noted. See Figure 1. The Team <br />observed large boulders arranged during reclamation that will serve as habitat for small wildlife. <br />See Figure 2. Vegetative cover included a number of volunteer and weedy annuals (field <br />pennycress, tumbleweed, lambsquarter, and tansy mustard) that currently aid in topsoil retention <br />and surface stability and will be treated and/or outcompeted by the perennial species included in <br />the approved seed mix in coming years. See Figure 2. Desirable perennials observed included <br />juvenile sagebrush and Western wheatgrass. See Figure 3. The conditions in the reclaimed <br />portion of the East Pit were equally positive and essentially identical to those describing the <br />West Pit above. See Figure 4. <br />Conclusion and recommendations <br />The Phase I reclamation evaluated comports with the terms of the Colowyo permit, the approved <br />Colorado regulatory program, and support the post mine land use of rangeland. OSMRE's <br />written decision regarding Phase I bond release will be documented in the future with input from <br />the Division and surface and mineral owners including the Colorado State Land Board and <br />Bureau of Land Management. <br />C. DRMS; Denver, Colorado <br />Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc; Denver, Colorado <br />Colorado State Land Board; Denver, Colorado <br />Bureau of Land Management; Craig, Colorado <br />2 1 P a g e <br />