Laserfiche WebLink
Reveeetation <br />We walked through seeded azeas in the disturbed area. Vegetative cover and diversity appeared <br />consistent with the cover values reported in the bond release application. Herbaceous cover was <br />dominated by wheatgrasses and Indian ricegrass. Rubber rabbitbrush was the most abundant woody <br />shrub, and comprises most of the cover. Fortis were relatively spazse; a few cicer milkvetch and <br />yarrow were found. No weed problems or significant bare areas were found. The species diversity <br />indicates the vegetation iswell-established and probably has long-term stability. Vegetation appeazs <br />especially healthy for asouth-facing slope with shaley soil following a series of drought years. <br />General Mine Plan Comaliance <br />The operator appears to be in compliance with all aspects of the mine plan and appeazs to have fulfilled <br />all reclamation obligations, with the exception of the aforementioned gully. <br />Reclamation Success <br />Observations made during this inspection indicate the operator has: removed all structures, <br />successfully backfilled and regraded the lands, established drainage control (assuming completion of <br />the aforementioned gully repair), successfully established vegetation, stabilized the lands, and has <br />completed all reclamation obligations set forth in the mining and reclamation permit application. The <br />vegetation appears to be adequate for use of the lands for cattle grazing and wildlife use, the approved <br />post-mining land-use. Upon adequate repair of the aforementioned gully, observations made during the <br />inspection would support a finding that in the bond release azea the operator has met the requirements <br />for Phase III bond release. <br />4 <br />