2021-12-09_REVISION - C1981010 (7)

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allows the operator to calculate reclamation success comparison using the reverse null calculation as per Rule 4.15.11(2)(c). This is an acceptable approach. Woody plant density results for 2020 counted 2554 woody stems per acre. Woody plant density results for 2021 counted 3045 woody stems per acre. Woody plant species that made up the majority of the sampled woody species included Artemisia tridentate(Big Sagebrush), Chrysothamnus nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush),Salvia argentea(silver sagebrush), and Prushia tridentate(Antelope bitterbrush). The Division finds that woody plant density establishment for the SL23 Bond Release Block was successful for 2020 and 2021. Species diversity:The results from the 2020 sampling found 6 perennial cool season grass species that contributed greater than 3% relative cover. No one species exceeded the 50%relative cover limit. The four dominant grass species accounted for 42.93%relative cover. Two(2),perennial non-noxious forb species contributed greater than 3%relative � t cover each. The total of all the perennial non- `�1 k' " noxious forb species was 15.10%relative cover. The species diversity standards were successful for 2020. The results from the 2021 sampling found seven(7),perennial cool season grass species that contributed greater than 3%relative cover. No one species exceeded the 50%relative cover limit. The four dominant grass species accounted for 45.24%relative cover. One (1), perennial non-noxious forb species contributed greater than 3%relative cover. The total of all the perennial non-noxious forb species was 16.9%relative cover. The species diversity standards were successful for 2021. The Division finds,based upon the submitted SL23 application,2020 and 2021 vegetation reports,that the operator has met all vegetation success standards for SL23 Bond Release Block. Post Mining Land Use TMPs objective is to restore the affected areas to the land uses prior to mining as indicated in section 4.2 of the permit. There are two significant land uses within the permit boundary: grazing of domestic livestock and use by wildlife. The bond release block will be used as rangeland for livestock and wildlife. The reclaimed lands have vegetative cover composed of a variety of grasses,forbs, and woody shrubs as described in the above sections. The species, seasonality and forage characteristics of the Permit Number. C1981010 Page 12 of 16