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Phase I and II bond release. Final reclamation success was evaluated for vegetative cover, <br />herbaceous productivity, species diversity and woody plant density on lands designated as range A, <br />B and C. On lands designated as range site C, final reclamation success was evaluated for vegetative <br />cover, herbaceous productivity and diversity. The reclaimed landscape was evaluated for evidence <br />of erosional features. TMI has not requested elimination of the SL20 bond release area from the <br />permit boundary area at this time. Evaluation of the post -mining land use was considered during <br />the Division's review of the bond release application. The specific parcels within SL20, the seed <br />mix used, verified topsoil depths, and the dates of previous Phase I and 11 bond releases indicated <br />in the application submitted to DRMS have been verified by DRMS. <br />IV. OBSERVATIONS and FINDINGS <br />During the bond release inspection conducted on 24 September 2019, the following observations <br />were made. For all parcels, the vegetative cover was consistent with the vegetation sampling results <br />reported in the SL20 application. Species composition was generally consistent with the species <br />reported in the application, with relatively large quantities of perennial grasses comprised of <br />Wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), Great Basin Wildrye (Elymus cinereus), and Kentucky Bluegrass <br />(Poa pratensis) observed. The dominant perennial forbs comprised Western Yarrow (Achillea <br />millefolium), and Alfalfa (Medicago satvia) among others. Rubber Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus <br />nauseosus), Big Sagebursh (Artemisia tridentate), and Antelope bitterbrush (Prushia tridentate), <br />depending on parcel, made up the dominant shrubs species present. Noxious weeds such as <br />Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Musk thistle (Carduus nutans), and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), <br />were observed during the inspection. Thistles comprise a small set, in both numbers and extent and <br />did not appear to significantly impact the establishment of the desired vegetation. Also, it was <br />observed that thistles had been treated to prevent further spread. Bromus tectorum, observed during <br />the inspection constitutes a common weed species found throughout Moffat County; occurring at <br />Trapper Mine in isolated areas of soil compaction such as contour ditches and pads. Overall, it did <br />not appear to significantly impact the establishment of desired vegetation. Bare areas devoid of <br />vegetation were observed. These areas were small and constituted an insignificant amount of the <br />bond release area. <br />Alluvial Valley Floors are not located within the 162.1 acre SL20 bond release block. In general, <br />erosion is not a problem in the SL20 bond release parcels. The map below illustrates the location of <br />parcels included in the proposed Phase III bond release, with the exception of the western most parcel; <br />parcel AC04B. The location of this parcel is illustrated on Map above. <br />Permit Number C1981010 <br />SL20 Page 8 of 17 <br />