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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br />Quantitative vegetation sampling of the pre-SMCRA reclaimed and revegetated sites within <br />the Oxbow Mining LLC Elk Creek Mine (Oxbow) eligible for sampling for Phase III final <br />bond release was conducted during June 2020. Vegetation cover data by plant species was <br />collected. Comparisons were made between total live vegetation cover (reclaimed areas) and <br />the approved total live vegetation cover final bond release success criterion from the Colorado <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) permit document. <br />The 2020 total live vegetation cover in the pre-SMCRA reclaimed areas (53.00%) exceeded <br />the final revegetation success criterion for live vegetation cover of 19.3 percent. <br />Based on the results of the 2020 quantitative vegetation sampling at the Oxbow pre-SMCRA <br />reclaimed areas, it was concluded that the Phase III bond release and revegetation requirements <br />of CDRMS Rules 3.03 and 4.15.10 have been satisfied for total live vegetation cover, and that <br />the minimum ground cover of living plants is not less than can be supported by the best <br />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 />2020 Phase III Bond Kelease Pre-5MCKA Vegetation Report <br />