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precipitation. Sampling occurred immediately following the peak of growth in July. Field efforts in 2006 <br />were conducted by Cedar Creek's senior Range Ecologist, Mr. Steven R. Viert, Plant Ecologist, Mr. Erik M. <br />Mohr, and Range Ecologist. Mr. Jesse H. Dillon. <br />The remainder of this document is divided into logical sections. Section 2.0 provides results by mine <br />area (East Pit, West Pit, Section 16, and Fire Areas) by revegetated unit, and by year of seeding (1999, <br />2002, and 2005). Each unit and resulting data /mapping is separately presented along with a brief <br />discussion of any pertinent observations and/or recommendations. A description of field methods utilized <br />in 2006 is presented as Appendix AA, and raw data tables and charts are presented in Appendix AB. In <br />this manner, only the most salient information is provided in the main body of this document. Acreages <br />presented in this document are determined by Colowyo's engineering andJor permitting department. <br />Precipitation data presented on Table P and Chart P (following Map 1) is the average of two weather <br />stations at the Colowyo Mine (SCN16 and WSTPT). Precipitation in the project area was slightly below- <br />average when compared with the six-year average for the 2005 / 2006 growing season (September 2005 <br />through August 2006). However, this six-year average is potentially below the actual long-term average <br />for the mine given that 2001 through 2004 are recognized as below-average precipitation years region <br />wide (drought years). For example, the nearest official weather station (Craig 4SW) received only 44°h <br />of its average precipitation in 2001, 61% in 2002, 86% in 2003, and 83% in 2004. Given this analysis <br />the long-term average precipitation at the Colowyo mine is most likely in the 19 inch range as opposed to <br />the recent four-year average of 16.5 inches. Therefore, precipitation during the 2005 / 2006 growing <br />season (22.84 inches) was likely three inches below average as opposed to slightly below average. The <br />growing season precipitation was well below average with April, May, and June exhibiting 1.33, 0.64, and <br />0.25 inches, respectively. The effect of this below average growing season is drastically decreased <br />current annual production values and somewhat decreased cover values. <br />Rio Tinto Energy America I Colowyo Mine Page 2 RBVeg6taUOn MonitOAng - 2006 <br />