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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />It must be noted that at the time of planting, conditions were nearly perfect for the emergence of <br />sagebrush (from seed) regardless of field trials being attempted. This circumstance was verified <br />by excellent sagebrush recruitment from all surfaces reclaimed during that year. Therefore, <br />observed results must be interpreted accordingly. <br />Colowyo Mine Specific Plot Construction and Monitoring <br />All plots were constructed in the fall of 2000. Annual monitoring occurred in July of 2001, 2002, <br />2003 and 2004. Plots were sampled for vegetative cover by species, bare ground, rock and litter. <br />A point -intercept method was used to estimate cover. Within each plot at Colowyo, five 100-m <br />transects were randomly located. Cover data was collected every one meter along each transect <br />(500 cover points per plot). [To avoid loss of data, Cedar Creek commenced monitoring of these <br />plots beginning in 2005 utilizing more stringent scientific methods.] <br />In addition to cover sampling along these transects, CSU estimated shrub establishment and shrub <br />height in each demonstration plot within small quadrats along each transect. At Colowyo, the <br />quadrats were 0.25 m2 and were located every 20 in along the transect for a total of 6.25 m2 per <br />plot. Within each of these quadrats all shrubs were identified to species and heights of individuals <br />were recorded. <br />Monitoring results were provided each year. A final project report was made available by June <br />15, 2005. The final report detailed the shrub establishment results by treatment method. Final <br />report results also provided a framework for reclamation plan improvements that are designed to <br />enhance native shrub establishment, vegetation community diversity and wildlife habitat, thereby <br />facilitating reclamation and bond release success. [As noted previously, interpretation of these <br />results must be tempered by the fact that the revegetation year of 2000 at Colowyo was an ideal <br />year climatologically for the establishment of sagebrush and other shrubs from seed, regardless of <br />underlying growth media. This observation was substantiated by excellent shrub establishment <br />across the mine regardless of trials, revegetation metrics, or location.] <br />Each mine will evaluate the successful treatments from the plots at their mine. These techniques <br />may be incorporated into the reclamation plan through a revision to encourage native shrub <br />establishment and to create community diversity. <br />In the interest of determining long-term results, the DRMS intends to continue monitoring the plots <br />at regular intervals. Colowyo will be responsible for proper maintenance of the field trial sites, <br />including maintenance of the elk fencing. If excessive erosion develops on any of the plots or a <br />noxious weed infestation is established within the plots Colowyo will contact the Division and <br />implement appropriate remedial treatments as warranted, according to the rill/gully management <br />and noxious weed management plans set forth in the permit application. <br />Due to the slow growth characteristics of woody plant species, and the importance of tracking <br />long-term effects of the treatments on woody plant establishment and plant community <br />development, it is planned that the plots will be maintained and periodically monitored through <br />the bond liability period. Results will be provided in the appropriate annual report. <br />Bond Release Concerns Relative to Shrub Plots <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-53 Revision Date: 5/25/18 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />