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<br />Comparison of species diversity on bond release block with success criteria. During the bond <br />release inspection, it was noted that species diversity was much greater on the reclaimed areas than <br />on the reference azea. Alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, and smooth brome dominated the bond release <br />blocks; smooth brome and timothy dominated the reference azea. Table 5, below, shows that in both <br />2000 and 2001, species diversity on the bond release blocks exceeded the bond release requirements <br />specified in the permit application. <br />Table 5 -Species diversity comparison: Reclaimed areas versus success standard <br /> 2000 2001 <br /> Any Any <br /> Perennial Alfalfa single Perennial Alfalfa single <br /> grasses species grasses species <br /> Min. 25% Max. 75% Max. 75% Min. 25% Max. 75% Max. 75% <br />Success relative relative relative relative relative relative <br />standard production production cover production production cover <br />Mine 1 57% 30% 42% 57% 34% 38% <br />Eckman Park 58% 15% 28% 61% 13% <br />26 /° <br />° <br />Mine <br />Division's finding that species diversity is sufficient for bond release. Based on the comparison <br />shown in Table 5, the Division finds that species diversity on the bond release block has met the <br />requirements for Phase III bond release. <br />Division's finding that revegetation is capable of supporting the post-mining land use. The <br />bond release blocks have at least 35% herbaceous cover composed of a vaziety of grasses and forbs. <br />The seasonality and forage characteristics of the vegetative species appear suitable for the post- <br />mining land use of pastureland. As found during the bond release inspection, some of the stock <br />ponds that remain as a permanent part of the reclamation provide a valued livestock watering source <br />as late in the season as November. CYCC has grazed cattle on the bond release blocks in late <br />summer for a few yeazs. The stocking rate was approximately 500 animal unit months in August and <br />September of 2000 and 2001 Signs of overgrazing were not evident during the Division's bond <br />release inspection. No weed problems or significant bare areas were found. The dense vegetative <br />cover on reclaimed areas appears to be preventing rill and gully formation. Hillslopes did not show <br />significant down-cutting from concentrated flow, even on the steepest slopes downhill from large <br />drainage azeas. No delta or sediment fans were found. No evidence of instability on reclaimed slopes <br />was found. No tension cracks were found at the tops of slopes and no bulges were evident at the <br />Mine 1 and the Eckman Park Mine Page 9 January 3, 2002 <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />