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Revegetation Evaluation - 2004 <br />Snowcap Coal Co. <br />• <br />1.0 INTRODUCTION <br />• 1.1 General <br />Cedar Creek Assodates, Inc. (Cedar Creek) was contracted in 2004 by Snowcap Coal Company <br />i (Snowpp) to perform an evaluation of vegetation within selected revegetated un'Its at the Snowpp Mine. <br />• Monitoring was performed in the interest of ascertaining progress of on-thet3round revegetation in <br />gene2l accordance with Rule 3.03, Release of Performance Bonds. The revegetated areas evaluated in <br />i 2004 consisted of a total of three units ranging in size from less than an acre fA 17.7 acres. In addition, <br />the Greasewood Reference Area was evaluated to provide comparison values. At the time of sampling, <br />revegetation within evaluated units had experienced either 4 or i2 growing seasons since the completion <br />~ of seeding. Sampling points within each unit are indicated on Maps 1- 4 at the rear of this document. <br />Field sampling for the dirediy measurable variable of ground cover (which can also be converted to <br />determine spades composition) was systematically conducted within the three reclaimed areas as well as <br />within the reference area on August 6'" & 7'", 2004. In addition, woody plant density and production <br />data were colled~d from the North Dedine and Greasewood Reference areas. Sampling was conducted <br />by and/or under the direct supervision of Cedar Creek's senior Range Ecologist, Mr, Steven R. Viert or <br />Plant Ewlogist, Mr. Erik M. Mohr. Each of the four areas was systematxally sampled with 20 ground <br />cover transeds. Furthemrore, the North Dedine and Greasewood Reference areas each received 15 <br />production plots and 20 woody plant density belts. In addition to the sampling effort, current conditions <br />existing at the time of field work were documented by photos of each segregate area (see Plates 1 - 7) <br />to provide a visual demonstration of site-conditions. Nomendature for plant taxa follows Weber and <br />Whitman (1996) and lifeform dassfication regarding sub-shrubs follows Wyoming DEQ (1999). <br />1.2 Background and Standards for Success <br />The North Decline Area is comprised of 17.7 acres of gently sloping revegetation that has a <br />predominately northern aspect. This unit was initially seeded in the fall of 1992. Approximately 2.5 acres <br />SNOWCAP COAL COMPANY Page 1 RevegetaUOn EvalUffibn 2004 <br />