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• 80% of the areas revegetated in 1996 would pass such testing; 40% of 1999 revegetation efforts would <br />currently pass diversity testing, and 0% of 2001 revegetation efforts would pass. This analysis suggests <br />that Colowyo is In a strong position with regard to the diversity variable. <br />Contrary to the aforementioned three variables, woody plant density at Colowyo remains somewhat <br />problematic, at least in some older areas. Perusal of Charts 4 and 5 in comparison to the current success <br />standard of 1000 stems per acre reveals that all monimred areas fall short. Initial shrub densities in the <br />"experimental units" (EP042 and EP043) are very promising with emergence averaging over 9,000 plants <br />per acre. Furthermore, inadental observations of Colorado state University experimental plots show <br />promising densities, although these were not measured by Cedar Creek in 2003. Therefore, it is Cedar <br />Creek's recommendation that Colowyo pursue a program of modification. This program would provide <br />several avenues for correction of the woody plant density issue (see Appendix AA -Section 7.4) by <br />modifying both the success criterion as well as "in-the-field" revegetation efforts. <br />Considering the 2003 monitoring effort as a whole, observed revegetation at the Colowyo mine is <br />generally in good condition and well onto the path of successional advancement. An occasional unit that <br />exhibits elevated levels of annual grasses may or may not need remediation (herbicide treatment) <br />• depending on future (more normal) precipitation patterns that should favor planted perennials. As <br />revegetated communities continue to mature, they should meet both land use goals and bond release <br />success criteria with regard to ground cover, diversity, and cumnt annual production. However, woody <br />plant densities in most units with at least two growing seasons are below, and occasionally well below, <br />the current standard of 1,000 shrubs per acre. This difficulty must be addressed, and several options are <br />available for Colowyo to consider and present to CDMG. <br />Sections that follow (2.2, 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5) provide a brief narrative of the results from each <br />individual unit evaluated by Cedar Creek. Also included for each unit is a map of the 2003 sample points <br />and aone-page summary (compendium) of all pertinent data collected within the unit and revegetation <br />specifications applicable to the unit'. Section 2.6 provides a data summary by area (East Pit, West Pit, <br />Section 16 and Fire Areas), while Section 2.7 provides a summary by year of revegetation (1996, 1999, <br />2001, and 2002). A discussion of the success of seeding efforts by species and by year is presented in <br />Section 2.8. This will aid Colowyo's evaluation of current seed mixes. Raw data tables for cover, <br />production, woody plant density and seedling emergence are presented in Appenda AB. <br />• ~ Data and specifications are limited to that information collected by or known to Cedar Creek as of 2003. Past data <br />and information could be added to these compendia at any time. Future data can be added as it becomes available. <br />Kennecon Energy CA. / Calowyo Mine Page 6 RevegMatron Monrconng -zoos <br />