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Direct compairison of the total herbaceous cover means indicates that in each case the revegetation <br />mean is greater than the success criterion (90% of the reference area mean) given that statistically <br />adequate sample~~ were obtained. This results in the conclusion that the performance standard for Total <br />Herbaceous Cover• was met for both revegetation areas in both 2006 and 2007. <br />3.3 Total Herbaceous Production <br />Total herbaceous production is another of the main variables that must pass revegetation success <br />evaluations in both community types in accordance with Rule 3.03. Review of Tables 1 & 2 and Charts 3 <br />& 4 indicate that total herbaceous production means (in pounds per acre) for both revegetated areas <br />exceeds 90% of the value for the analogous reference area (success criterion) in 2006 and 2007. <br />Year Rev~eaetation Means (Ibs/acres Success Criterion (Ibs/acre) Samale Adeauacv <br />2006 Grassland 524 225 Yes <br />2007 Grassland 786 738 Yes <br />2006 Riparian 569 447 Yes <br />2007 Riparian 569 398 Yes <br />Direct comparison of the total herbaceous production means indicates that in each case the <br />revegetation me~~n is greater than the success criterion (90% of the reference area mean) and <br />statistically adequate samples were obtained. This results in the conclusion that the eerformance <br />standard for Tota!I Herbaceous Production was met for both revegetation areas in both 2006 and 2007. <br />A review of i:he data revealed that the nearly threefold increase in herbaceous cover and production <br />means on the grassland reference area from 2006 to 2007 can largely be attributed to one species, <br />Gray's biscuitroot. (Lomatium grays). This species increased in average cover from 1.0% in 2006 to <br />26.8% in 2007 and likely contributed 50% to 70% of the production in 2007 (see Table 3 and Plates 13 <br />& 14). It is suspected that the right combination or timing of precipitation and temperature leading up to <br />the sampling effort in May 2007 resulted in a "banner" year for this species. It is also suspected that <br />such a dense cover of this biscuitroot occurs relatively infrequently (possibly one in five or ten years) <br />based on its low cover levels in two previous years of sampling (0.07% in 2004 and 1.0% in 2006). <br />3.4 Diversity <br />Evaluation of diversity in accordance with Rules 3.03 and 4.15 results in a positive finding regarding <br />the 2006 and 2007 data. In this regard, review of the third section of Tables 1 & 2, as well as Charts 5 & <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. Page 10 Blue Ribbon Mine -Phase III <br />Bond Release Evaluation - 2007 <br />