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stocking rate for 2016 based on available herbaceous production, forage palatability and the above <br />proper use factor was 1.28 acres per AUM. These values reflect a range of historic stocking rate <br />levels at the Yoast Mine. The lower stocking rates in 2015 represent below normal winter through <br />early summer precipitation and above normal temperatures while the higher 2016 stocking rates <br />reflect above normal precipitation and near normal temperatures. The ability of the reclaimed <br />lands to provide good stocking rate values for 2015 and 2016 represent the results of implemented <br />best practices for reclamation, management of the reclaimed areas and the restoration of ecosystem <br />function and continuing successional development of the reclaimed lands. With the exception of <br />the aspen community the native lands within the mine area have generally lower stocking potential <br />due to heavy woody composition that reduces herbaceous forage production and access. <br />Yoast reclaimed area livestock grazing by sheep was initiated in 2009 using the reclaimed pastures <br />located in the general BRB-2 Phase III and Phase II + III release area. A total of 560 sheep were <br />grazed approximately 45 days and forage use averaged 9 percent use of all forage and 19% of the <br />PUF forage (PUF = 50% of available forage as a proper use factor). Since 2009 sheep grazing <br />has continued annually through 2019 on reclaimed areas. The sheep numbers have ranged from <br />620 (2012) to 850 (2014). Days of grazing have ranged from 20 (2014) days to 49 (2011) days. <br />Utilization has generally been light to with rates from 11% of total forage (23% of PUF forage) in <br />2018 to 16% of total forage (32% of PUF forage) in 2012. Anecdotal comments by the livestock <br />operators to reclamation management personnel indicate satisfaction with the reclaimed grazing <br />resource and animal performance. <br />Wildlife baseline and monitoring was conducted annually at the Yoast Mine from 1994 through <br />2010. Comprehensive monitoring included big game, upland game birds, raptors and predators <br />and continued through 2007. From 2008 through 2010 monitoring centered on upland game birds, <br />golden eagles and Sandhill cranes. From 2011 the general mine area has been included in annual <br />raptor nest monitoring and Columbian Sharp -tailed grouse counts. The results of monitoring are <br />presented in the annual reports submitted to CDRMS. Additionally, CDRMS inspection personnel <br />note wildlife observations in their ongoing inspection activities at the mine. <br />SL-8 - 14 <br />