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2002 Soil Sampling: Seneca Mine, Hayden Colorado Vegetation Above Ground- Plant form was typical for respective species for all sample sites. Plant color is good and there are no color indications of mineral deficiencies or toxicity. Soil lab data indicates that minerals are in sufficient quantity to foster normal growth pattern. S2-02-2 has poor to fair vigor and fair quality. The quality of S2-01-3, S2-02-7 and S2-02-9 is fair to poor or poor while the vigor of those sites are fair or fair to good. The entire region experienced a very severe drought over the summer, which may have affected the vigor and quality of the sites. However, these sites should be monitored for vitality over the next 2 years. Localized re-seeding may be required if vegetation fails to improve in vigor and quality. Below Ground- Root penetration into the upper topsoil is fair to good. Typically, roots range common very fine, common fine and common medium roots typical of shrubs, grasses and forbs in the initial and maturing stages of development. Root penetration should continue and even ameliorate soil structure further. Roots are not matting along the topsoil/subsoil boundary indicating that root penetration will continue over time. Typically roots in the subsoil range are few to common very fine and fine roots and in some places few medium roots, indicating that root penetration into the upper part of the subsoil has begun and should continue. Conclusions Overall topsoil and subsoil are suitable and are supporting a vigorous dryland pasture of grasses and forbs. Over time, the soil will continue to support vegetation that meets management objectives. Fertilizer application for the area is not indicated especially since there is already high organic matter levels. Contour furrows on 20 foot centers are indicated for slopes greater than 15 percent. This is to prevent gullying. Future seeding should be proceeded by ripping on 2 to 4 foot centers to a depth of 18 inches. in addition the disking tool should be weighted to increase the penetration depth of the disks to 6 to 8 inches. Both processes will reduce soil compaction increase water infiltration and soil moisture holding capacity, which in turn will increase live perennial vegetative cover. Clay is not considered a suitable topsoil replacement in the original permit. However baseline studies indicated clay soils. Re-vegetation on clay soil has both good to excellent vigor and foliar quality and color. It is recommended that he permit be amended to allow for clay soils to be suitable for topsoil replacement provided the clay soil material comes from the topsoil or subsoil stockpile. Pace 4 of 5 01!28/03