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grass. Both of these species provide good forage for cattle. Warm season grasses were also well represented including blue grama, and red three awn. It should be noted that sampling occurred relatively early in the growing season for warm season species. However, it is interesting to note that the dominant grasses at the loadout in 2006 were equally western wheatgrass and blue grama both native species more tolerant of drought. Smooth brome, an introduced species, did not contribute to the cover at the loadout and its' relative cover at the portal was much less in 2006 than in 2007. Relative cover of forbs at the portal was only 0.5% in 2006 and 7.7% in 2007. At the loadout relative forb cover was 3.2% in 2006 and 10.3% in 2007. These numbers again reflect the change in climatic conditions between the two years. None of the forb species are listed on Fremont Counties noxious weed list. Summary When the Twin Pines Mine site was permitted in 1984 it was a drastically disturbed area with only IO % to 20% cover characterized by introduced annual forbs and scattered rabbitbrush. In contrast the post reclamation vegetation cover under extreme stress in 2006 was 20% at both the portal and loadout. Under better conditions in 2007 vegetative cover at the portal was 30.2% and at the loadout 40.6%. Both reclaimed areas aze characterized by native species indigenous to Fremont County. Data collected from the reclaimed mine site indicates the area is in much better condition now than when the abandoned contour strip pit was permitted in 1984. In 2007 the production values far exceeded the success standard of 200 pounds air dry herbage per yeaz. Although the standazd was not achieved in 2006 the extreme drought conditions would explain this. With the more favorable conditions in 2007 the standazd was far exceeded by 667 pounds/acre at the portal and by 749 pounds/acre at the loadout. The reclaimed vegetation represents a native, diverse plant community that sustains the post mining land use of rangeland. Weeds are not a problem at the reclaimed mine site contributing very little to the overall plant community. No erosion problems were observed at either the portal area or at the loadout. The historic mine site has been reclaimed to a condition much better than what it was in 1984 when the site was permitted. The Division believes the reclaimed Twin Pines Mine Site is capable of self-generation and plant succession in accordance with the requirements of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act. 5