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REVEGETATION SUCCESS (PHASE II) <br /> The SL-8 Phase II bond release includes 123.7 acres within the BRB-2a block area and 69.3 <br /> acres within the BRB-3 block area to total 193 acres. Phase I bond release encompassing the <br /> BRB-2a and BRB-3 Phase II areas has been approved based on the previous SL-2, SL-4, and SL- <br /> 6 submittal. These lands have established vegetation that is at least two years old and are able to <br /> support the approved post-mining land use. Phase II revegetation success evaluations were based <br /> on the success standards described in Tab 22 of the approved Yoast permit, Rules 4.15.8, and the <br /> Division's Guideline Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues (April 1995). <br /> Establishment of vegetation is demonstrated by meeting the appropriate cover success standard <br /> based on statistically adequate sampling. Species composition and representation of the species <br /> to meet final diversity requirements is addressed by the vegetation cover data and species <br /> diversity evaluation in Tab 22. <br /> Vegetation sampling in the BRB-2 and BRB-3 Phase II bond release blocks and the Yoast <br /> reference area was conducted in 2016 by Cedar Creek Associates. The 2016 revegetation <br /> monitoring reports are included as Attachment D—Revegetation Success Supporting <br /> Documentation. The Phase II bond release blocks, reference areas and random sample point <br /> locations are shown on Maps 1 —3 contained in the 2016 revegetation monitoring reports in <br /> Attachment D. <br /> As a result of sampling and analysis, successful revegetation for the parameters of cover and <br /> species diversity was demonstrated in 2016 vegetation sampling. The results of those <br /> 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 <br /> from sampling in the approved extended reference area. The weighting contribution by type is <br /> aspen 24.4%, mountain brush 48.9%, sagebrush 24.0% and steep mountain brush 2.7%. <br /> SL-8 - 6 <br />