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Revegetation success is demonstrated by meeting the appropriate cover, production, woody <br /> density and species diversity success standards based on statistically valid sampling and analysis. <br /> Species composition and diversity requirements are assessed through the vegetation cover data <br /> and evaluations using a species diversity assessment specifically developed for SPL reclaimed <br /> lands as detailed in Tab 22. <br /> Vegetation sampling in the BRB-2 Phase III bond release block and the Yoast reference areas was <br /> conducted in 2015 by Cedar Creek Associates and in 2016 by Cedar Creek Associates. The <br /> 2015/2016 report of the findings for testing revegetation success for the Yoast BRB-2 Phase III <br /> bond release evaluation is included as Attachment D — Revegetation Success Supporting <br /> Documentation. The Phase III bond release block, reference areas and random sample point <br /> locations are shown on Maps I - 4 contained in the 2015/2016 revegetation success evaluation <br /> report in Attachment D. <br /> As a result of sampling and analysis, successful revegetation for the parameters of cover, <br /> herbaceous production, woody plant density (background and concentration areas) and <br /> species diversity was demonstrated in both 2015 and 2016 vegetation sampling years. The <br /> results of those demonstrations are summarized in the following sections. <br /> COVER <br /> The Yoast cover standard and success evaluation procedures are as follows. The cover success <br /> standard is based on a weighted average value (based on the relative extent of primary pre-mine <br /> vegetation type contributions to total acreage)for allowable all-hit herbaceous cover derived from <br /> sampling in the approved extended reference area. The weighting contribution by type is aspen <br /> 24.4%,mountain brush 48.9%, sagebrush 24.0% and steep mountain brush 2.7%. Allowable all- <br /> hit herbaceous cover is determined from cover sampling in the Phase III reclaimed lands and the <br /> native reference area with subtractions made for woody plants, noxious weeds and cover of <br /> annual/biennial weeds in excess of 10%relative cover. The Phase III bond release area sample <br /> value will be no less than 90%of the cover success standard at 90Yo statistical confidence. In the <br /> following discussion and the bond release vegetation report attached, cover for the reference area <br /> derived standard and the Phase III reclaimed area may be variously referred to as allowable all-hit <br /> SL-7 - 7 <br />