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A couple changes are suggested for consideration in the 2005 annual revegetation report. Methods of deriving the applicable cover success standard and the woody plant density standard are being, or have recently been amended. In next year's report, the comparisons should be based on the revised standards (i.e. "all-hit" herbaceous cover with no "ratio adjustment" and a woody plant density standard of 200 stems per acre over-all; 2000 stems per acre within concentrated establishment areas). The supplemental report addressing woody plant density within concentrated establishment areas of the original II-W permit area was encouraging from the standpoint that over-all average density exceeds 90% of the 2000 stem per acre standard for the concentrated establishment areas. However there was a wide range of densities within individual establishment areas, and the relatively high average was due to high numbers of big sagebrush in several of the areas, and high numbers of Woods rose in one area. There had been a drastic reduction in the numbers of the tall shrub species serviceberry and chokecherry in the one area (Block G) where there had been good initial establishment. Successful establishment and survival of significant numbers of the tall shrub species on reclaimed areas at Seneca II-W (and other mines in the region) may be dependent on protection from browsing and possibly other factors. Encouraging results have been observed in elk fenced plantings in test plots at Seneca II Mine and at the Hayden Gulch Mine. Such fencing is specified for tall shrub and aspen plantings in the South Extension Area, and should be considered for future tall shrub plantings in the original permit area. Issues related to number, location, and management of shrub establishment areas in the original permit area las depicted on permit Exhibit 22-1) will be addressed in the Division's forthcoming permit renewal adequacy review letter. 11