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areas sampled during 2023 is given in Table 1.2-4. A summary of individual transects, reclaimed parcels <br /> and reclaimed blocks is presented in Appendix 2. <br /> Table 1.2-1 indicates that the Phase II cover standard was achieved for the sampled block. The <br /> reclaimed block summary in Appendix 2 further indicates that plant cover sample adequacy was easily <br /> achieved for the areas sampled. <br /> Shrub density data is included in Tables 1.2-1 and 1.2-3 for interest only, as shrub density is not a Phase II <br /> bond release requirement. These data also serve to help demonstrate that plant diversity is being <br /> achieved on all Range Sites A and B bond release blocks. <br /> Table 1.2-2 breaks out sampling results at a plant life form and plant species level for cover. This table <br /> gives a good indication of the overall performance of individual grass and forb species in reclaimed <br /> vegetation communities. Dominant grass species include a variety of Wheatgrasses, Kentucky <br /> Bluegrass, Sheep Fescue and Great Basin Wildrye. Other grasses that appear to be well established and <br /> contributing to plant community diversity are Green Needlegrass, Redtop, Mountain Brome and Smooth <br /> Brome. Dominant forb species include Western Yarrow, Cicer Milkvetch, Lewis Flax, Rocky Mountain <br /> Penstemon and Alfalfa. Other established forbs that contributed to diversity are Pacific Aster and Small <br /> Burnett. Detection of several perennial noxious weeds (Whitetop, Canada Thistle and Musk Thistle)at low <br /> levels indicates a need to continue weed control efforts, which is occurring on an annual basis. <br /> Cheatgrass was also present at relatively low level in the proposed bond release area. <br /> Stem density results in Table 1.2-3 demonstrate that four shrub species, Big Sagebrush, Silver <br /> Sagebrush, Rubber Rabbitbrush and Bitterbrush make up the vast majority of the shrubs counted on belt <br /> transects. Fourwing Saltbush, Mountain Snowberry and Green Rabbitbrush are also established in lower <br /> numbers across the reclaimed lands included in this bond release application. <br /> Relative cover evaluation of perennial plant species and life forms for block and parcel summaries in <br /> Appendix 2 conclusively demonstrates that established plant species are exhibiting seasonality and <br /> species composition supportive of the post-mining land use. <br /> 6 <br />