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1.2 Background and Standards for Success Acwrding to file records available to Cedar Creek, the revegetated areas that are the subject of this evaluation were seeded in 1986 (20 years prior to sampling in 2006) in accordance with permitting requirements. These areas have developed into two mid-seral heterogeneous communities dominated by a variety of grasses, fortis and shrubs. Permitted post-mining land uses are livestock grazing with incidental uses as wildlife habitat and recreation. Approximately 4.2 acres of revegetation in the southeast corner of the mine, as well as a narrow strip in the north central portion, have been transferred to an active Oxbow Mining Company Permit for potential re-disturbance, and thus was not included in the 2006 sampling effort (see Map 1). The applicant will utilize the herbaceous strata within the grassland and riparian reference areas for the determination of adequate ground cover and production as detailed in the next section. The Riparian Reference Area is comprised of approximately 6.0 acres (in two sections) of level to gently sloping undisturbed land that has a predominately southerly aspect. The two halves are located immediately adjacent to the revegetated ripadan portions of the Blue Ribbon Mine (see Maps 1 & 2). These locations were selected because of their proximity to the disturbance area and their ecological resemblance to the revegetated riparian community. The Grassland Reference Area is compdsed of approximately 6 acres of moderately to steeply sloping undisturbed land that has a predominately westerly aspect. It is located approximately 0.5 miles southeast of the Blue Ribbon Mine on a relatively open hillside (see Map 2). This location was selected for two reasons. First, it is the only undisturbed herbaceous dominated area that could be located within reasonable proximity to the mine area. Second, it exhibits a low density of trees (Finn"on and juniper), and a more elevated stand of herbaceous species (contrary to the oak brush and Piiion-Juniper woodland throughout the area). This elevated herbaceous component provides a more appropriate target for the ecological conditions present in the revegetated grasslands of the Blue Ribbon Mine. For the variables of woody plant density and species composition (diversity), the applicant will utilize the following technical standards (as developed in consultation with CDRMS). Reference area comparisons and standards are as follows: Grassland Community Success Standard Vegetation Parameter Criteria Success Standard Cover Production Cool-Season Grasses Perennial Fortis Woody Plant Density Woody Plant Diversity Total herbaceous Total herbaceous Relative Cover of 3-609'0 Total Relative Cover Total number Number Present 90% of Reference Area 90% of Reference Area 4 species 3% 90% of 100 stems/acre 3 species CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, INC. Page 2 Blue Ribbon Mine - 2006 Phase III Bond Release Evaluation