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EXHIBIT J <br /> 6.4.10 EXHIBIT J — Vegetation Information <br /> (A) Descriptions Of Present Vegetation Types <br /> To support effective reclamation and compliance with habitat conservation goals,Table J.(A).1 details the dominant <br /> plant species at the West Side Placer project,focusing on those essential for ecological stability and restoration.The <br /> vegetation includes Wyoming big sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis),which grows up to 18 inches and <br /> is foundational to the sagebrush steppe.Additionally,native grasses such as western wheatgrass(Agropyron smithii), <br /> needle-and-thread (Stipa comata),blue grama(Bouteloua gracilis),and Sandberg bluegrass(Poa secunda)thrive <br /> in this and environment,with heights ranging from 12 to 36 inches,providing food and habitat structure for local <br /> wildlife. <br /> Other significant species include rubber rabbitbrush(Ericameria nauseosa),fringed sage (Artemisia frigida),prickly <br /> pear cactus (Opuntia polyacantha),and pincushion cactus(Escobaria vivipara). Both cacti are well-adapted to the <br /> dry climate,contributing to soil stabilization and providing forage for wildlife. The prickly pear typically grows <br /> between 4 to 12 inches tall,while the pincushion cactus reaches heights of 1 to 6 inches. <br /> This mix of native grasses,shrubs,and forbs is essential to supporting biodiversity,maintaining soil integrity, <br /> and restoring the natural ecosystem post-mining. This carefully managed vegetative composition aligns with the <br /> reclamation plan to foster a resilient landscape that meets conservation standards,particularly for sage-grouse and <br /> other sagebrush-dependent species. <br /> TABLE J.(A).1 <br /> Common Name Scientific Name Height <br /> Western Wheatgrass Agropyron smithii Rydb. 12 to 36 inches <br /> Needle-And-Thread Stipa comata 12 to 36 inches <br /> Blue Grama Bouteloua gracilis 12 to 24 inches <br /> Sandberg Bluegrass Poa secunda J.Presl 12 to 36 inches <br /> Wyoming Big Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis 12 to 48 inches <br /> Rubber Rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa 24 to 36 inches <br /> Fringed Sage Artemesia frigida 24 to 36 inches <br /> Silver Sagebrush Artemisia cana 24 to 48 inches <br /> Prickly Pear Cactus Opuntia polyacantha 4 to 12 inches <br /> Pincushion Cactus Escobaria vivipara 1 to 6 inches <br /> 73 <br /> HARDROCK/METAL MINING REGULAR(112)APPLICATION Au Pt Industries LLC I PO Box 1424-Edwards,Colorado 81632 1970 306 1 784 <br />