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the permit application. <br /> The Bond Release Block consists of four parcels. The vegetative cover monitoring results from all <br /> four parcels included in the BRB were compiled. The actual herbaceous cover for the 298.3 acres was <br /> 84.8%, with vegetative litter measured at 11.7%. Based upon criteria defined in the permit, removal <br /> of cover attributed to noxious weed species, and allowing no more than 10%relative cover from annual <br /> and biennial species, the allowable cover from the 2023 sampling achieved 73.6% cover. The <br /> reclamation success standard for the BRB is 52%. The SL24 Bond Release Block meets the cover <br /> standard. <br /> The vegetation report shows that the reclaimed parcels are dominated by native perennial grasses. <br /> Native perennial graminoids account for 36.1% absolute cover. Of the graminoid cover, 17.1% is <br /> composed of Wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), Great Basin Wildrye (Elymus cinereus), constituted <br /> 5.8%, .9% cover was Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus), and 4.2% cover was attributed to Poa <br /> spp.. Perennial forbs accounted for 15.1% cover, annuals and biennial forbs made up 22.3% cover, <br /> woody species accounted for 2.2% cover. Noxious perennial weeds accounted for 0.5%. Cheatgrass <br /> (Bromus tectorum), accounted for 8.6% cover, however, given the established cover of desirable <br /> species,it is likely that cover from Cheatgrass decreases overtime. Table 1.2-2 in the SL24 application <br /> provides a summary of the sampling results. Although, species diversity is not a requirement for phase <br /> 11 bond release, the establishment of a diverse and effective reclaimed community that supports the <br /> post mining land use, allows the Division to confirm that the reclaimed area is moving towards final <br /> reclamation success. <br /> Based on the perennial species of grasses, forbs and shrubs found at the site as indicated in the SL24 <br /> application, the species diversity and composition will likely support the post-mine land use. While <br /> noxious weeds were encountered at the site,they comprised a small percentage of the vegetative cover. <br /> Post Mining Land Use <br /> TMI's objective is to restore the affected areas to the land uses prior to mining as indicated in section <br /> 4.2 of the permit. There are three significant land uses within the permit boundary: farming, grazing <br /> of domestic livestock and use by wildlife. The bond release block does not contain farmland and thus <br /> will be used as rangeland for livestock and wildlife. The reclaimed lands have vegetative cover <br /> composed of a variety of grasses, forbs, and woody shrubs as described in the above sections. The <br /> species, seasonality and forage characteristics of the reclaimed vegetation are suitable for the approved <br /> post-mining land uses. The Division has observed livestock grazing and substantial wildlife use of <br /> previously reclaimed areas. The revegetation success standards were based on what would be <br /> necessary for the land to properly function to accommodate the post mine land uses. Based on the <br /> vegetation cover reported by TMI and DRMS' inspection observations,it appears that the revegetation <br /> in the SL24 bond release block is progressing towards achieving the post- mining land use. <br /> Sedimentology <br /> The condition of the sediment ponds and any needed maintenance on the ponds receiving runoff from <br /> the bond release parcels are systematically evaluated. Ponds receiving run-off from the bond release <br /> parcels are also receiving flow from affected lands not under consideration for bond release currently. <br /> Permit Number C1981010 <br /> SL24 Page 10 of 16 <br />