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reclaimed areas sampled during 2008 is given in Table 1.2-4. A summary of individual transects, <br />reclaimed parcels and reclaimed blocks is presented in Appendix 2.. <br />Table 1.2-1 indicates that the Phase II cover standard was achieved for all sampled blocks. Reclaimed <br />block summaries in Appendix 2 further indicate that plant cover sample adequacy was easily achieved <br />for all areas sampled. <br />Shrub density data is included in Tables 1.2-1 and 1.2-3 for interest only, as shrub density is not a Phase <br />II bond release requirement. These data also, serve to help demonstrate that plant diversity is being <br />achieved on all Range Sites A and B bond release blocks. <br />Table 1.2-2 breaks out sampling results at a plant life form and plant species level for cover. This table <br />gives a good indication of the overall performance of individual grass and forb species in reclaimed <br />vegetation communities. Dominant grass species include a variety of Wheatgrasses, Mountain Brome, <br />Great Basin W ild.rye and Kentucky Bluegrass. Other grasses that appear to be well established and <br />contributing to plant community diversity are Sheep Fescue and Green Needlegrass. The dominant forb <br />species is Alfalfa. Other established forbs that contributed to diversity are Western Yarrow, Cicer <br />Milkvetch, Lewis Flax, Rocky Mountain Penstemon and Small Burnett. Detection of several noxious <br />weeds (Whitetop, Musk and Canada Thistles) at low levels indicates a need to continue weed control <br />efforts, which is occurring on an annual basis. <br />Stem density results in Table 1.2-3 demonstrate that four shrub species, Big Sagebrush, Silver <br />Sagebrush, Rubber Rabbitbrush and Bitterbrush, make up over 90% of all shrubs counted on belt <br />transects. The remaining species in Table 1.2-3 were encountered sporadically in low numbers across <br />mine reclamation. Additionally, shrub clumps provide mature Gambel's Oak, Chokecherry, Mtn <br />Snowberry and Saskatoon Serviceberry plants which add greatly to both community and structural <br />diversity on Trapper's reclaimed lands. A qualitative observation made while monitoring shrubs during <br />2008 was that a majority of woody plants established on reclaimed areas have been heavily browsed by <br />wildlife species. This heavy wildlife browsing appears to limit woody plant growth and establishment <br />potential. <br />Relative cover evaluation of perennial plant species and life forms for block and parcel summaries in <br />Appendix 2 conclusively demonstrates that established plant species are exhibiting seasonality and <br />species composition supportive of the post-mining land use. <br />• <br />6