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azea), Area 26 (located south of the sediment pond), Area 27 (an area between the sediment <br />pond and the 1985 reclamation azea which was used for spoil storage), and Area 28, an azea <br />• west of the sediment pond. The 1995 reclamation areas are neazly flat with a gentle slope <br />(<1°) to the north and east. The 1995 reclamation azeas are currently being evaluated for <br />Phase II bond release. <br />The 1995 reclamation areas aze variable in composition, with Areas 1, 24, 26 and 27 <br />dominated by warm season graminoids, particulazly Calamovilfa longifolia, Panicum <br />virgatum, and the two Bouteloua species, while Areas 8 and 28 aze dominated by cool season <br />wheatgrasses. All 1995 parcels appeared healthy with very good growth this season. <br />Vegetation cover was estimated at 60 percent. Overall herbaceous production in these <br />parcels was estimated to be 175-225 g/mZ (1560-2006 lb/ac). No evidence of pests or <br />diseases was identified in this azea <br />3.2.5 1997 RECLAMATION AREAS <br />The 1997 reclamation areas sampled encompass approximately 18 acres of reclamation in <br />four distinct azeas within the Keenesburg Mine permit azea. The azeas aze found throughout <br />the disturbance azea of the mine and include Area 3 that is a road corridor between the <br />1985/1986 central reclamation areas and the 1986 east area, Area 14 (an area to the west of A <br />pit), and Areas 18 and 21, two azeas adjacent to B pit. The 1997 reclamation azeas aze nearly <br />flat overall with a gentle slope (1-3°) to the north. Reclamation and coincident revegetation <br />with the permanent seed mix took place during the autumn of 1997 within these areas. <br />Replaced soils were sandy in texture. The 1997 reclamation azeas are currently being <br />• evaluated for Phase II bond release. <br />As with the 1995 reclamation azeas, the 1997 reclamation azeas reveal variability in <br />composition, cover, and production. Area 3 contains a mix of warm and cool season <br />graminoids, as well as a number of forbs. Area 14 has a lazge component of Oryzopsis <br />hymenoides, while Areas 18 and 21 reflect dominant stands of Calamovilfa longifolia, <br />Panicum virgatum, and Bouteloua gracilis. All 1995 parcels appeared healthy with very <br />good growth this season. Vegetation cover was estimated at 60 percent. Overall herbaceous <br />production in these pazcels was estimated to be 175 g/mZ (1560 lb/ac). No evidence of pests <br />or diseases was identified in this azea. <br />3.3 COMPARISON OF RECLAIMED AND REFERENCE AREAS <br />Monitoring of the revegetated azeas allows for the identification of vegetation community <br />development trends during the extended liability period. This evaluation also assists in <br />decisions regarding yearly grazing, husbandry practices, interseeding, fertilizing, and weed <br />management. Comparison of the reclaimed azea values for vegetation cover, herbaceous <br />production, and species composition with the values from the reference area or standard, <br />indicates whether revegetation has been successful, or whether additional measures need to <br />be initiated to enhance vegetation community development. The tables below allow the <br />comparison of the parameter values with the standard to be achieved, either from the <br />reference azea in the case of vegetation cover and herbaceous production, or the established <br />Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 19 <br />2005 Revegetation Monitoring Report <br />