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1 <br />1 evaluation was not required to demonstrate success, sample adequacy was determined <br />using the methods outlined on page ZI ofDMG's Guideline Regarding Selected Coal <br />' Mine Bond Release Issues; Aaril 18. 1995. Eighteen samples exceeded the number <br />required according to the adequacy calculations (see Table 3). <br />' As noted above, twenty-two species were encountered during cover sampling. <br /> Twelve of these species were perennial and non-noxious (eleven if bluebunch and <br /> beardless bluebunch are considered to be separate species as opposed to varieties of each <br />' other), which is excellent diversity considering no diversity standard applies. The <br /> reclaimed community is not a monoculture. Four perennial, non-noxious species have <br /> relative cover values exceeding 3% (two shrubs and two grasses). As Table 4 indicates, <br />perennial grass relative cover is increasing while shrub relative cover is decreasing. <br /> Noxious weed cover has fluctuated while annual grasses aze higher and annual fortis are <br /> lower than in previous years. 5.1% relative cover was contributed by noxious weeds. Of <br />' the noxious weed absolute cover of 2.8%, over half was due to bindweed (Corrvolvulus <br /> arvensis). Less than 2.0% relative cover was contributed by noxious weeds of greater <br />' concern -Russian knapweed and Whitetop. Of greatest importance is the fact that <br /> perennial, non-noxious absolute cover has increased each time sampling has been carried <br /> out and that the reclaimed community is healthy and diverse. <br />1 <br />' CONCLUSIONS: <br />' The Red Canyon mine exceeds the vegetation requirements in 1997 with regard to <br />absolute cover, which is the lone vegetative success standazd that will apply for Phase III <br />bond release consideration. Non-noxious, perennial vegetation was estimated at 42.0% <br />' absolute cover, much greater than the success standard of 23%. Eighteen samples were <br />more than the number required by the sample adequacy calculations. The vegetation <br />qualifies the mine site for final bond release consideration next year. <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br />