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listed areas. With this application, MCM requests the maximum allowable bond release, or 100% <br /> of the bond associated with the acreage proposed for Phase I, II, and III release. <br /> Colorado outlines the requirements for bond release at Rule 3.03.1 of the Regulations for the <br /> Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. For Phase I, up to 60% of the applicable bond amount <br /> shall be released when the permittee successfully completes backfilling, regrading (which may <br /> include the replacement of topsoil and seeding), and drainage control in accordance with the <br /> approved reclamation plan. <br /> For Phase II, up to 85% of the applicable bond amount shall be released upon the establishment <br /> of vegetation which supports the approved postmining land use and which meets the approved <br /> success standard for cover, based on statistically valid data collected during a single year of the <br /> liability period. <br /> For Phase III, the remaining portion of the bond amount shall be released when the permittee has <br /> successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with the <br /> approved reclamation plan and not before the expiration of the revegetation responsibility period. <br /> Findings <br /> The 273 total acres of post-SMCRA reclamation proposed for Phase I, II, and III bond release <br /> was divided into the parcels shown below. The Team walked each parcel to collect elevation <br /> readings and evaluate post-mining topography, surface stability, drainage control, and <br /> revegetation. <br /> Utah Tract (216 acres): <br /> The Utah Tract of the Williams Fork Mine is situated on the east side of Highway 13. The Utah <br /> Tract was reclaimed between 1979 and 1983 as part of the nearby Trapper Mining, Inc operation. <br /> Overall this parcel was in excellent condition. The backfill observed was entirely stable and <br /> regrading blended well with the surrounding undisturbed topography. No stockpiled materials or <br /> hydrologic control structures excepting permanent on-contour drainage furrows remained in <br /> place. Vegetation was deep, dense, and diverse. See Figures 1 and 2. Mature Basin Wildrye, <br /> Western wheatgrass, big sagebrush, Cicer milkvetch, snowberry, serviceberry, lupine, fourwing <br /> saltbush, Kentucky bluegrass, and alfalfa were observed. Wildlife including mule deer, sharp- <br /> tailed grouse, rabbits, and a red tail hawk were observed, serving as an indicator the PMLU is <br /> being achieved. A small number of whitetop patches, approximately 12' x 20' were observed and <br /> brought to the attention of Ms. Kawcak and Mr. Roberts. See Figure 3. <br /> Post-SMCRA Strip Pit (56.5 acres): The Williams Fork Mine Strip Pit is situated on the west <br /> side of Highway 13. The Strip Pit includes a 32.7 acre portion that was disturbed prior to 1978 <br /> and is subject to the requirements of the Colorado Open Cut Land Reclamation Act of 1969 and <br /> Colorado Open Cut Mining Land Reclamation Act of 1973. OSMRE's interest in the portion of <br /> the reclaimed Williams Fork Strip Pit for which bond release is requested under SL-4 is limited <br /> to the parcel that was permitted and disturbed post-SMCRA. The post-SMCRA portion of the <br /> Strip Pit was partially reclaimed ca. 1985. Overall, the reclamation observed at the Strip Pit was <br /> less successful than at the Utah Tract. This parcel contained the occasional small patch of <br /> houndstongue and one particularly large patch of cheatgrass. Mature big sagebrush and other <br /> 2 1 P a g e <br />