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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 />