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Drainage from this azea flows into the Center Ridge pond. A large herd of elk, approximately 300, were observed grazing in the Center Ridge area. According to Mr. Gontarek, they reside in the adjacent aspen groves to the north and frequently graze on the Center Ridge area: Several lay down areas and droppings were observed. During the inspection we scared up a mule deer and fawn from the reclaimed area. The South-of-Shop area is a narrow strip of reclamation on the upper reaches of a landslide. No further signs of instability were observed in the slide mass after the reclamation work was completed in 1988. The upper scarp was graded to blend in with the terrain above. Topsoil was reapplied and vegetative cover was good. Dominant species were cicer milkvetch, wheatgrasses and smooth brome. A gully did form in the northern part of the reclaimed slide area. Since 1992, P&M has been monitoring the gully. Monitoring data presented in the bond release application shows the gully has stabilized. This was confirmed during the site inspection. No excess erosion was appazent from the reclaimed azea. P&M sampled the revegetation in the East Ridge, Center Ridge and South-of-Shop azeas in 1997 and 1998 using DMG approved sampling methods. Fifteen transects were placed in each area each year. Sample adequacy was exceeded in all cases. Results of the sampling aze summarized below. Sam lin Area Standard 1997 Cover 1998 Cover East Ride 47% 64.3% 55.9% Center Ride 42% 77.6% 52.6% South-of-Sho 61% 84.9% 65.7% P&M has not conducted any managed grazing on these reclaimed parcels. However, as documented in many past inspection reports, wildlife are common on the reclaimed lands. Elk and deer utilize the reclaimed lands extensively. On occasion, cattle and sheep from nearby ranches have also been observed on these lands. Using a managed grazing plan, in combination with the documented wildlife use, these lands will support.the post mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat. Sutttrrtarv and Conclusions Based upon a review of the approved permit application, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, the Division finds [hat P&M has completed final reclamation on the proposed release areas in East Ridge, Center Ridge and in the South-of- Shop area in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Edna Mine 5 Bond Release No. 5 C-80-001 Revised April 7, 2000