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WEST ELK MINE PHASE III (11'Year) ELIGIBLE AREAS: 2019 <br /> Year <br /> Site Name/Number Area Acres Reclaimed % of Total <br /> Road to 24HG2E5XC, 4-5XC, 3XC Sylvester Gulch 1.57 2007 17.0% <br /> 1-21-38, 2-21-37, 3-21-36, 4-21-32 W. Bench 1.23 2008 13.3% <br /> 24-06&24-07& road W. Bench Rd. 0.94 2006 10.2% <br /> 19-04& 19-05&shared spur road W. Bench 0.91 2008 9.8% <br /> 24HG2E5XC, 24HG1E4-5XC, 24HG1E3XC Sylvester Gulch 0.90 2007 9.7% <br /> 17-08A&B Saddle Rd. 0.82 2006 8.9% <br /> 20-01A(and Exploration Hole AAA) W. Bench 0.69 2007 7.5% <br /> 15-05 Saddle Rd. 0.62 2004 6.7% <br /> 20-31 W. Bench 0.58 2008 6.3% <br /> 22-04 W. Bench Rd. 0.52 2007 5.6% <br /> 15-06 Sylvester GI. Rd. 0.24 2004 2.6% <br /> 23HG1E3XC, 23HG3E3XC Shaft C n Rd. 1 0.13 2007 1.4% <br /> 24-09 Shaft C n Rd. 0.10 2008 1.1% <br /> Total Phase III Eligible(1st year) Reclaimed Sites 9.25 100.0% <br /> 2.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br /> 2.2.1 Timing <br /> Field investigation of the reclaimed areas was undertaken between June 16 and 21, 2019. <br /> This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum presence of the majority of plant <br /> species found in the reclamation areas to be sampled at the mine site and adjacent native <br /> areas. An initial on-site reconnaissance of vegetation progress and development was <br /> undertaken on June 3, 2019 to assess vegetation development. <br /> 2.2.2 Total Vegetation Cover <br /> Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An ocular point <br /> frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision <br /> and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data <br /> points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect <br /> centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of <br /> computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to <br /> extend within ten feet of revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge <br /> effect." <br /> For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a sample <br /> unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the <br /> instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on <br /> vegetation (prior to interception of the ground surface) were also recorded. Cover data were <br /> recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first interception was used to <br /> calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional interceptions were used to calculate <br /> relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also <br /> provided the basis for calculation of species composition and relative importance. <br /> Mountain Coal Company,LLC West Elk Mine Page 4 <br /> 2019 Vegetation Report:West Bench,Sylvester Gulch,Shaft Canyon Road,and Saddle Road Reclamation Areas <br />