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OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted to evaluate early success of the reclamation performed on stages X, Y and 1 during the fall of 2004. Reclamation tasks, per the specifications stated in Technical Revision No. 2, were completed on stages X, Y and 1 during the fall of 2004. Areas of these phases that are to be revegetated were pocked and seeded during late September, early October. Fall through spring after this seeding experienced above normal precipitation. The resulting vegetation establishment has been quite successful. The vast majority of the pocks have various combinations of plant species in the seed mix. Indian ricegrass, streambank wheatgrass, and four-wing saltbush are the species most notable at this time though other species from the mix were observed scattered across the site. Many of these plants were developing seed heads. Vegetative establishment appeared more successful on Stage Y and 1, though Stage X was much improved. The face of the slope from the upper level of Stage X down to Stage Y had the least amount of vegetation establishment and may need to be reseeded if vegetation does not fill in this area in the next year or so. Vegetation appeared to establish on the sides and tops of the pocks, rather than in the bottom, as is usually observed in past pocking projects. It appeared that the pocking technique used, primarily in Stage X resulted in a pock with a flat hard bottom approximately 2-3 foot square. The vegetation seemed to establish on the loose soils of the pock walls and not on the hard pack. More vegetation was noted in the bottom of the pocks in Stage Y and 1 where pocks were slightly smaller and the loose soils ran together at the base. The early success of this effort is very encouraging. It is unknown if weather conditions or revised reclamation conditions lead to the current success of the revegetation effort. It appears that the combination of those factors has created an environment conducive to successful reclamation. The reclaimed acreage fenced off from cattle grazing was obviously more established, though the area available to grazing was also showing much more success in vegetation establishment than previous efforts. Mid to late May 2005 saw high runoff and flooding of the Gunnison River. The inflow outflow channels appear to have handled the flows without any stability issues. It is apparent that the flows raised the level of the Stage 1 lake to a point where it flooded the access road round the southwest corner. Flooding also filled a portion of the pocks in this area. The pocks that were flooded are currently covered with a very high density of tamarisk seedlings. The tamarisk was evidentlyproducing seed at the time to takefull advantage of the flood event. Though DMG cannot requirethe permitteeto control thetamarisk atthis location, it is highly recommended. These seedlings are especially susceptible to control efforts at this time. If the beneficial perennial vegetation shows longevity by continuing to persist, increase in biomass, and reproduce, this site may be eligible for release from further reclamation responsibility in the fall of 2006. A GPS reading for the entrance to the site was recorded at thejunction of the access road to Highway 141. This reading was recorded as: 38°59'01.586"N 108°27'07.081"W. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Steve Shuey at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rtl Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone number 970-243-6368. I & E Contact Address NAME Mr. Mark Gardner OPERATOR Whitewater Building Materials Coro. STREET P. O. Box 1769 CITY/STATE/ZIP Grand Junction. CO 81502 cc: Carl Mount -DMG Denver Office ^ CE ^ BL Bruce Fowler - GJ BLM Office ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH) ^ OTHER