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Production Documentation submitted with the application indicated that herbaceous production on the reclaimed lands was 83 grams per half square meter in 2000, neazly seven times (680%) of that required. Herbaceous production on the reclaimed lands was 61.2 grams per half square meter in 2001, neazly eight times (785%) of that required. These results were assessed visua]]y during the August 6, 2002, inspection. A Mountain shrub community with a sparse understory of herbaceous species dominates the reference azea. The production difference between the reclaimed area and the reference area is lazgely due to the undisturbed azea being dominated by a mature mountain shrub community versus the reclaimed azea being dominated by a grassland community. The grass-dominated community favors the post-mining use of rangeland and provides an increase in grazing forage for both livestock and wildlife. Diversity Documentation regarding diversity was presented for Phase III Bond release. In 2000, there were 7 perennials, 4 of which were grasses, 2 were forbs, and 1 was a shrub. In 2001, there were 8 perennials, 5 of which were grasses, 2 were forbs, and I was a shrub. Each species contributed greater than 3 percent, yet less than 60% relative cover. Thus actual achieved diversity approached twice the required diversity. Data was collected to statistical adequacy and all vegetation success pazameters were achieved. Period Specified for Revegetation Responsibility Vegetation sampling data was collected in 2000 and 2001. Thus sampling was accomplished after the period of revegetation responsibility (the period ended in 1998). Permanent Structures Permitted permanent features in areas of disturbance considered in this Application were inspected during the on-site inspection and found to be in required states of repair for equivalent Phase III bond release. Permitted permanent features in azeas of disturbance considered for bond release at the mine site include the Refuse Area Sedimentation Pond and Ditch A running to it from Pond P-9. These features were approved for retention as a permanent stock pond and means of supplemental water supply, and Phase I and Phase II Bond Release was previously granted for these two features by SL-04. The slopes of the pond and the ditch are well vegetated and stable, and Phase III bond release criteria aze met. Several additional sedimentation ponds (Ponds P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5, P-6, P-7, and P-8) were reclaimed in 1994. Portions of Ponds P-3 through P-8 were subsequently incorporated into the ditch system for Pitkin County Road 001. These eight reclaimed ponds met Phase I and Phase II bond release criteria in SL-04, and aze now eligible for Phase III bond release. The electric service facilities features have been granted Phase I bond release. The minor disturbances at pole bases met Phase II bond release criteria, and the disturbances were granted Phase R bond release by SL-04. The very minor disturbances for poles SL-O5, C-SI-025, Mazch 24, 2003 Page 19 of 26 Pages