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FISH AND WILDLIFE <br />Although only a few deer and elk were seen during the inspection, there was evidence <br />the area is populated by large numbers of big game. Vegetation has locally been <br />intensely browsed. Bedding sites were abundant. Hoof prints and droppings were <br />widespread. Large numbers of deer and elk have been reported in the bond release <br />area in past inspection reports. Other wildlife that has regularly been seen on <br />past inspections include: small mammals (rabbits, marmots, badgers, porcupines, <br />mice), raptors (hawks, golden eagles), and various waterfowl and small birds <br />including sharp-tailed grouse. <br />REVEGETATION <br />We walked across several large reclaimed areas, including the pastureland reference <br />area. Values reported for vegetative cover and species diversity in the bond release <br />application were compared with field observations. All areas appeared consistent <br />with the data in the bond release application. Brome grass dominated herbaceous <br />cover in all areas. Alfalfa and cicer milkvetch were locally abundant. Diversity <br />was noticeably greater on the reclaimed areas than on the pastureland reference <br />area. No weed problems or significant bare areas were found. The Division is <br />conducting an in-office evaluation of vegetation data in the bond release <br />application. <br />SLIDES AND DAMAGE <br />Slope stability. No evidence of instability on reclaimed slopes was found. No <br />tension cracks were found at the tops of slopes and no bulges were evident at the <br />base of slopes. <br />Erosional stability. The dense vegetative cover on reclaimed areas appears to be <br />preventing rill and gully formation. Hillslopes did not show significant down- <br />cutting from concentrated flow, even on the steepest slopes downhill from large <br />drainage areas. No delta or sediment fans were found. <br />RECLAMATION SUCCESS <br />Field observations made during this inspection indicate the operator has <br />reestablished vegetation that has stabilized the lands in the bond release area and <br />has completed all reclamation obligations set forth in the mining and reclamation <br />permit application. The vegetation appears to be adequate for use of the lands as <br />pastureland, the approved post-mining land-use. These observations would support a <br />finding that the operator has met the requirements for Phase III bond release. <br />Page 5 <br />