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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br />Quantitative vegetation sampling of the pre-SMCRA reclaimed and revegetated sites within <br />the Oxbow Mining LLC (OMLLC) Elk Creek Mine eligible for first year sampling for Phase <br />III final bond release was conducted during June and July 2019. Vegetation cover data by <br />plant species was collected. Comparisons were made between total live vegetation cover <br />(reclaimed areas) and the approved total live vegetation cover final bond release success <br />criterion from the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) permit <br />document. <br />The 2019 total live vegetation cover in the pre-SMCRA reclaimed areas (57.73%) exceeded <br />the final revegetation success criterion for live vegetation cover of 19.3 percent. <br />Based on the results of the 2019 quantitative vegetation sampling at the OMLLC reclaimed <br />areas, it was concluded that the Phase III bond release and revegetation requirements of <br />CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2) and Rule 4.15.10 have been satisfied for total live vegetation cover, <br />and that the minimum ground cover of living plants is not less than can be supported by the <br />best available topsoil or other suitable material in the areas, is not less than the ground cover <br />existing before redisturbance, and is adequate to control erosion. <br />Oxbow Mining, LLC Elk Creek Mine Page 1 <br />2019 Phase III Bond Kelease Pre-5MCKA Vegetation Report <br />