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for each parcel. Seed mixes used were in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. All <br /> lands requested in the current Phase III Bond release application (SL23) have been approved for <br /> Phase I and II bond release. Final reclamation success was evaluated for vegetative cover, <br /> herbaceous productivity, species diversity and woody plant density on lands designated as range A <br /> or AB. The reclaimed landscape was evaluated for evidence of erosional features. TMI has not <br /> requested elimination of the SL23 bond release area from the permit boundary area at this time. <br /> Evaluation of the post mining land use was considered during the Division's review of the bond <br /> release application. The specific parcels within SL23, the seed mix used, verified topsoil depths, <br /> and the dates of previous Phase I and II bond releases indicated in the application submitted to <br /> DRMS have been verified by DRMS. <br /> IV. OBSERVATIONS and FINDINGS <br /> During the SL23 bond release inspection conducted on 7 October 2021, the following <br /> observations were made. For all parcels, the vegetative cover was consistent with the vegetation <br /> sampling results reported in the SL23 application. Species composition was generally consistent <br /> with the species reported in the application, with relatively large quantities of perennial grasses <br /> comprised of Wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), and Great Basin Wildrye (Elymus cinereus), <br /> observed. The dominant perennial forbs comprised Western Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and <br /> Alfalfa (Medicago satvia) among others. Rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), big <br /> sagebursh (Artemisia tridentate), silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), and antelope bitterbrush <br /> (Prushia tridentate), depending on parcel, made up the dominant shrubs species present. Noxious <br /> weeds such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), and Canada thistle <br /> (Cirsium arvense), were observed during the inspection. Thistles comprise a small set, in both <br /> numbers and extent and did not appear to significantly impact the establishment of the desired <br /> vegetation. Also, it was observed that thistles had been treated to prevent further spread. Bromus <br /> tectorum, observed during the inspection constitutes a common weed species found throughout <br /> Moffat County; occurring at Trapper Mine in isolated areas of soil compaction such as contour <br /> ditches and pads or areas of southerly aspect. Overall, it did not appear to significantly impact the <br /> establishment of desired vegetation. Sparse areas of vegetation were observed. These areas were <br /> small and constituted an insignificant amount of the bond release area. <br /> Alluvial Valley Floors are not located within the 265.5 acre SL23 bond release block. In general, <br /> erosion is not a problem in the SL23 bond release parcels. <br /> The map below illustrates the location of parcels included in the proposed Phase III bond release. <br /> Permit Number. C1981010 Page 9 of 16 <br />