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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />Currently the reference areas are located in an area where grazing can be managed in accordance <br />with the approved postmining land use. <br />Comparisons of weighted averages between reference areas and revegetated areas under <br />Subsection 4.15.7(4) (b) and Subsection 4.15.11 may be utilized to determine revegetation success. <br />Similar methodologies and statistical tests used to compare premine and reference areas will be <br />used to compare reference areas and revegetated areas. For weighted comparisons of original <br />permit area revegetation (grazinglands), reclaimed area data will be compared against 55% <br />Mountain Shrub Reference Area and 45% Sagebrush Reference Area data. However, some <br />comparisons may be made directly against a single reference area (e.g., Sagebrush Reference <br />Area). In this regard, any sagebrush steppe community that evolves in the reclaimed area will be <br />directly compared against the 1981 sagebrush reference area. For weighted comparisons of South <br />Taylor revegetation, reclaimed area data will be compared against 52% of the 1980 Mountain <br />Shrub Reference Area, 25% of the 1981 Sagebrush Reference Area, and 23% of the 2005 Collom <br />Aspen Reference Area. <br />For demonstration of revegetation success, vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and in certain <br />circumstances woody plant density will be sampled to statistical adequacy (where necessary), and <br />compared to the approved standard or reference area mean. The Division has completed a <br />comprehensive bond release guideline (1995) that provides a good overview of recommended <br />sampling approaches, statistical adequacy formulas and statistical tests. Furthermore, new <br />regulations promulgated 9/14/05 under Section 4.15.11 detail new allowable approaches for <br />vegetation sampling and testing. Colowyo will utilize procedures recommended in the new <br />regulations, guideline, or other procedures that are as effective as the Division's recommendations. <br />Before Colowyo begins a vegetation sampling program for bond release, the Division will be <br />consulted to confirm sampling approaches and statistical testing. A base level or initial protocol <br />is detailed under Section 4.15.11 below. <br />As indicated in Rule 4.15.7 (5) the 10 -year liability period will begin following the last year of <br />augmented seeding, fertilization, irrigation, or related revegetation work. To facilitate bond <br />release, revegetation success criteria must be met for two of the last four years of the liability <br />period excepting that sampling for final success determination cannot occur prior to year 9 of this <br />period. The liability period will be re-initiated for augmentation work excepting work associated <br />with normal management activities as defined under Rule 4.15.7 (5) (a -g). This allows the liability <br />period to remain unchanged for such revegetation metrics as "interseeding" (4.15.7 (5)(g)) of <br />additional grasses and fortis into a stand targeting shrubs to increase cover values of these life <br />forms. <br />To summarize the use of reference areas in this testing process, the following will occur. There <br />are three reference areas that will be utilized for testing against reclamation success. These <br />reference areas are: 1980 Mountain Shrub reference area, 1981 Sagebrush reference area, and 2005 <br />Collom Aspen reference area. All lands reclaimed prior to 2008 and grazinglands (grasslands) <br />reclaimed post -2008 on the original permit, East Pit, West Pit, and South Taylor areas, shall be <br />compared to weighted parameters from the 1980 Mountain Shrub reference area (55% weight) and <br />the 1981 Sagebrush reference area (45% weight) in accordance with 4.15.7(4)(b). All post -2008 <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-62 Revision Date: 11/27/18 <br />Revision No.: TR -129 <br />