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Table 3, below, shows that in both 2000 and 2001, cover on the bond release blocks exceeded the <br />90% cover values on the reference area. <br />Table 3 -Vegetative cover comparison: Reclaimed areas versus reference area <br />2000 <br />2001 <br />Reference area 21 % 25% <br />(90% of sample mean) <br />Mine 1 35% 45% <br />Eckman Park Mine 38% 43% <br />Division's finding that percent cover is sufficient for bond release. Based on the comparison <br />shown in Table 3, the Division finds that vegetative cover on the bond release blocks has met the <br />requirements for Phase III bond release. <br />Comparison of production sample data to production success criteria. The dominance of fortis <br />(alfalfa and cicer milkvetch) on the bond release blocks resulted in significantly greater production <br />than on the reference area where grasses dominate. The Division's review verified that the <br />production data are statistically valid at the 90% confidence level, and consistent with Phase III bond <br />release requirements, were collected in each of the last two consecutive years of the liability period. <br />Table 4, below, shows that in both 2000 and 2001, production on the bond release blocks exceeded <br />the 90% production values on [he reference area. <br />Table 4 -Herbaceous production (in lbs./acre), comparison between <br />reclaimed areas and reference area <br />2000 <br />2001 <br />Reference area 961 955 <br />(90% of sample mean) <br />Mines 1977 2055 <br />Eckman Park Mine 2327 2398 <br />Division's finding that production is sufficient for bond release. Based on the comparison shown <br />in Table 4, the Division finds that vegetative production on the bond release blocks has met the <br />requirements for Phase III bond release. <br />Mine 1 and the Eckman Park Mine Page 8 January 3, 2002 <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />