2008-08-11_PERMIT FILE - C1992080 (3)

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2.04.10 and 4.15 and current botanical and plant ecological methods. Field sampling was conducted June 19, 2008 by Michael and Edith Savage of Savage and Savage, Inc. The Carbon Junction Mine is located in La Plata County, Colorado, approximately two miles southeast of the Durango city limits, midway up Carbon Junction Canyon, on Ewing Mesa. This is approximately one mile east of the Highway 160-550 business route junction, lying one mile east of the Animas River (Figure 1). The Carbon Junction Mine was operated for coal extraction from 1983 to 1985. The reclaimed area sampled this year was backfilled, graded, topsoiled, and seeded in 2006 in accordance with the approved mining and reclamation plan. The revegetation standards used to evaluate these areas are those currently in effect under the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act (CRS 34-33-101 et seq) and the Carbon Junction Mining and Reclamation Permit (C- 1992-080). 2.0 METHODS 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, and applicable revegetation standards. Figures 2-9 depict the reclaimed areas at the Carbon Junction Mine that was sampled in June 200$.. The Mine Plan Map was used to delineate the area to be sampled. On a gridded overlay of the reclaimed areas on the map, a Cartesian coordinate grid was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of random x,y coordinates and initial random sample locations were established within the reclaimed area. Sample locations were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known landmarks. Transect orientation was determined by computer generated random compass directions (numbers from 0 to 360). Figure 10 illustrates the 2008 vegetation sample transect locations at the mine site. 2.2 FIELD SAMPLING 2.2.1 Timing Quantitative field investigations for vegetation cover and species composition were undertaken during June 19, 200$. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum development of the majority of plant species found in the reclaimed areas to be evaluated. It was noted that the area received good moisture during the winter and spring of 2007-2008. Graminoid and forb species were noted to be producing both significant foliage and flowering structures. Oakridge Energy Carbon Junction Mine Page 2 2008 Vegetation Sampling Report