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that was formerly permitted by Schmidt. It was removed from the permit when the landowner prior to <br /> the current landowner decided they did not want that land mined because they had a"different idea." <br /> Now we know what that idea was, but will it actually happen?If the land use in the Miller Pit is <br /> changed to a community amenity("Development") and that does not happen, then what?Amend the <br /> permit again to change it back to Rangeland? <br /> So that is the background history of this land since about 2006 or 2007. This is presented because it <br /> provides a historical context for the fill material stockpile sitting in the middle of the land being <br /> reclaimed. <br /> The Nature of the Problem: This development has been approved or is very near full approval by <br /> Elbert County and it is now believed that construction will begin in early 2025. Therefore, the use of <br /> the fill that is currently stockpiled in the pit area may occur in early 2025 when it could be moved to <br /> serve fill needs in the development in the uplands east of the permit. At this time,the reclamation of <br /> the mine is not quite developed enough to justifiably release the land from bond under a conclusion <br /> that the revegetation has been completed; it hasn't. But it is approaching that state and could reach it <br /> by the summer of 2025, if there are good growing conditions the rest of the 2024 growing season. Due <br /> to abundant groundwater a short distance under the surface, the growth of much of the vegetation is <br /> fast. The vegetation also exhibits a high diversity of both planted species (alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, and <br /> various wheatgrasses)and invading grasses, especially the needlegrasses of the genus Stipa. Another <br /> important invader has been Witch Grass of the genus Panicum. This grass is a very important <br /> stabilizer of moist, eroded soils and tends to almost stop the erosion. Many other forbs and <br /> wildflowers have also invaded the area being reclaimed. Weeds were very dense in the first year, as is <br /> often the case in these kinds of reclamation projects. It is a natural way to stabilize land that has been <br /> disturbed for decades. The initial weeds can be a first line of defense against erosion as well as initiate <br /> biological activity in a highly disturbed soil medium. But as the more desirable vegetation continues <br /> to expand the weed population is declining and control of noxious weeds, especially Scotch Thistle, is <br /> being done. In general the reclamation is showing signs of considerable success to this point and could <br /> be ready for release in 2025 with good conditions or 2026 if growing conditions change to more of a <br /> drought pattern. <br /> Page 5 of 11 <br />