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The methods used to collect data for the report in Exhibit J aze generally correct. However, the Rules and Regulations for Coal Mining (Rules) were updated in September 2005 and most of the revisions pertained to the revegetation sections of the Rules. Rule 4.15.11 was added which describes the vegetation sampling methods for all aspects of the vegetation sampling program, including baseline data collection. The cover data for the Northfield Mine was collected using a plum bob on a 4 foot string at each meter mazk along a 50-foot transect. Please note that newly added Rule 4.15.11(1)(a) requires that a point sampling device supported by a rigid frame be utilized to ensure unbiased point placement. 26. In Exhibit J NP proposes to use a reference azea to demonstrate revegetation success. NP provides a statistical demonstration showing the proposed disturbed azea and the reference azea is compazable. The statistical formula shown on page 12 should be con•ected. It is the square root of the denominator. (I did not review the calculations to determine if they were done properly, since the disturbed area sampled is incorrect.) The calculations will need to be redone when data from the correct disturbed azea is collected. 27. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service threatened and endangered species list for Fremont County is shown below. Arkansas Darter Etheostoma cragini C Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T Black-footed Ferret Mustela nigripes E Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis T Mexican Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis T This list is from: htto://mountain_prairie.fws. gov/endspp/CounriLists/COLORADO.htm The Colorado list of threatened/endangered species is found at: http://wildlifestate.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOtConcern/ThreatenedEndaneeredLisU ListOfi'hreatenedAndEndangeredSpecies.htm The potential for impacts to plant and animal species that may occur, or have habitat, near the mine site and that aze listed and asthreatened/endangered on the Federal and State lists and as a candidate species on the Federal list must be evaluated in accordance with Rule 2.05.6(2)(a)(iii) in the permit application. Each of the species listed for Fremont County must be addressed.(Rule 2.04.10(5) and Rule 2.04.11(4)) 28. On page 2.05.4-10, NP has committed to vegetation monitoring in year 3 after reseeding. Few details were provided describing the scope of the proposed monitoring. Generally, for the yeaz 3 monitoring, only cover data is collected using techniques similar to what was used for the baseline survey. Please provide additional detail regazding the pazameter(s) to be collected in yeaz 3 and the techniques to be used. (Rule 4.15)