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the reclaimed areas and the reference azea. Gully erosion that occurred on the slopes of the <br />reclaimed East Pit one week before the bond release inspection removed cover from less than 1% of <br />the total length of transects sampled in 2003 and 2004, where those gullies cross the transect <br />locations. A 1 % reduction in vegetation on the reclaimed areas would not significantly affect the <br />comparisons in the tables. Cover and herbaceous production on the reclaimed azeas significantly <br />exceeded the amounts on the reference area in both 2003 and 2004. Species diversity exceeded the <br />technical success standazds. Intermediate wheatgrass and western wheatgrass were the dominant <br />herbaceous species on the reclaimed areas. Indian ricegrass and bluegrama provided additional <br />significant herbaceous cover. Alfalfa was the most abundant perennial forb. Big sagebrush was the <br />dominant woody shrub. Achievement of the revegeta$on success standards indicate the requirements <br />of Rule 4.15.10(8) have been met. The revegetation success standards were based on what would be <br />necessary for the land to properly function as rangeland and wildlife habitat. The bond release area <br />has met those requirements. Based on the achievement of those requirements, the Division fmds that <br />the revegetation on the bond release blocks is capable of supporting the postmining land use. <br />Table 3 -Mean live cover: <br />East Yit Reclaimed Area versus Reference Area <br />2003 2004 <br />Required minimum (90% of 5% 8% <br />Reference Area mean) <br />Sample mean 12% 17% <br />Table 4 -Mean live cover: <br />Barren Ridae/Revision 1 Area versus Reference Area <br />2003 2004 <br />Required minimum (90% of 5% 8% <br />Reference Area mean) <br />Sample mean 11 % 14% <br />