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three of the largerfarms (Mel Staats, Frank Morgan and Zene Weimer) that surround NH2 fortheir <br />first cutting production figures in irrigated hayland fields (See Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-A). They <br />gladry gave us their estimates based upon a lifetime of experience. Atl these men have <br />approximately 40+ years apiece of farming experience in the N ucla area and their knowledge of fi rst <br />cutting crop yield for irrigated hayland in the Nucla area is priceless. They gave WFC yields they <br />personally achieved and were representative over many drought-wet harvest seasons. WFC has <br />submitted the yields present to us by the farmers in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-A to the local NRCS <br />office for their review. The comments from NRCS can be seen in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-A as <br />well. WFC will use the average 1st cutting yield from these three farmers for our production <br />standard. A 1st cutting production of 1.84 tons per acre will be the target yield at New Horizon <br />Mine. During the 1999 baseline vegetation survey (Sec. 2.04.10) the average yield for all pastures <br />was 2.00 tons/acre. The yield ranged from a high of 4.26 tons/acre for highly managed alfalfa to a <br />low of .57 tons/acre for unirrigated grassland.1999 was a very wet year in western Colorado (177% <br />of normal for 1999 to date, NRCS San Miguel Basin Precipitation Data) and could explain the slight <br />increase in overall production (2.00 tons/acre vs 1.84 tons/acre), Therefore, the 1.84 tons/acre is <br />a reasonable standard to apply to the amended area. <br />Production yield for irrigated hayland will be determined by a random sampling method. This <br />system will consist of: <br />1) Gridding the entire irrigated hayland reclaimed field(s) being considered for bond release <br />on a 50 foot by 50 foot pattern. The grid blocks will be sequentially numbered from the <br />upper northwest comer to the lower southeast of each field. Only whole blocks will be <br />numbered for the purpose of use in the random generator discussed below. If there are <br />separate fields, then the block numbers will be combined into one data base. <br />2) The total acreage of the irrigated hayland being considered for production yield will be <br />measured and one sample will be taken for every four acres of field. For example, if the <br />study area has 60 acres total, 15 samples will be taken. If the acreage is less than 60 acres <br />then a minimum of 15 samples will be taken. <br />(revised 1-15-03) 2.05.4(2)(e)-17 <br />