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Attachment 4 <br />Narrative Evaluation of Compliance <br />Eight 50 m transects were sampled for cover between the Rienau n2 and torthern <br />;l Mine areas. The number of transects were divided evenly between the two <br />areas. The refuse areas were not sampled due to time limitations. The refuse <br />areas werz visually inspected and appear to be similar to the Rienau and <br />Northern Mine areas in respect to cover and diversity. <br />Twelve transects were required to meet sample adequacy for the cover data. As <br />time was a limiting factor, only 8 were sampled. This number was sufficient <br />to determine mean cover to be 53.5% + 4.0% at a confidence interval of 90%. <br />Woody stem density had a high degree of variability between transects. Shrubs <br />were observed at a higher concentration along the perimeters of the reclaimed <br />areas due to invasion from the surrounding undisturbed areas. Due to the high <br />degree of variability woody plant density data was less conclusive than the <br />cover data. Woody plant density was measured ?.00 stems/acre + 204 at a 900 <br />confidence interval. Sixty-three transects would have been needed to achieve <br />sample adequacy for woody stem density data. <br />Eighteen grass species were indentified during the sampling process. Of these <br />only two species are annual, Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus. <br />The operator is required to establish at least 4 cool season grasses with each <br />species exhibiting greater than 3% cover yet with no one species exhibiting <br />more than 40% cover. The operator has achieved this with establishment of <br />Agropyron riparium, Bromus inermis, Agropyron smithii, and Agropyron <br />intermedium. <br />The undisturbed areas surrounding the permit area have a heavy infestation of <br />leafy spurge (Ephorbia esula). The operator has cooperated with Rio 3lanco <br />Weed Association in control of this noxious weed. Tordon and Banvel <br />applications have been the primary means of control. Although effective <br />control of noxious weeds has been the outcome, reduction of fortis and shrubs <br />has occured as well. Some Canada thistle (Circium arvense) was observed to a <br />minor extent at the Northern .Jo. 1 area. <br />PJo production data was collected by the Division. <br />JB/srm <br />4200E <br />