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Ilt. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection, The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This was a partial inspection of the reclaimed mine site, focusing on evaluation of apparent revegetation success. The inspection was conducted 6y Dan Mathews of the DMG Grand Junction Field Office. There was no operator contact present. Weather was clear and mild, and ground surface was dry. Revegetation/ Reclamation Success The major portion of the reclaimed area (excluding the sediment pond location) was seeded in 7995. An effective, productive, and relatively diverse community dominated by perennial shrubs and grasses has become established. The prominent shrub component is dominated by big sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush, which apparently volunteered from seed sources adjacent to the site, as neither species was included in the approved seedmix. There is a vigorous grass understory, heavily dominated by intermediate wheatgrass, which was a component of the seedmix. Other common species observed include western wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, a species of bluegrass, cicer milkvetch, fringed sage, and shadscale saltbush. Desirable perennial species dominate the stand, with minimal presence of annuals or "weedy species". There appear to be multiple age classes of big sagebrush present, indicative of successful regeneration. There is no evident erosion on the site, and the permanent drainage is well vegetated and stable through the reclaimed area. The lower riprapped steep segment of the channel appears to be in good condition. The sediment pond disturbance area was apparently revegetated in 2002. As would be expected for a stand in only its second growing season, perennial cover is lower in this small area as compared to the older reclamation, and las would also be expected) there is a component of early successional annual (orbs and grasses, including some cheatgrass. However, seeded perennials and desirable volunteer species are well represented in the stand, with intermediate wheatgrass, shadscale, fringed sage, Indian ricegrass, cicer milkvetch, bluegrass, rubber rabbitbrush, and big sagebrush all having a significant presence. The sediment pond area seeding appears to have been successful. Fish and Wildlife Three doe mule deer were observed on the reclaimed area at the beginning of the inspection. Other There was a capped well inside a small drill pad disturbance, and an associated short road segment that had been bladed through the sagebrush just inside the locked mine access gate. The drill pad was approximately 60 feet west of the mine access road. The work appeared to have been completed recently. The drilling associated disturbance would appear not to 6e mining or reclamation related activity, but the nature of the disturbance will be investigated to verify.