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2.0 Evaluation of Reclamation Success for Phase III Bond Release 0 values of all the vegetative species captured during the 2006 sampling event on the Rangeland Reference and Reclaimed Areas. In 2005, herbaceous vegetation production on the Rangeland Reclaimed Areas (1,177 lbs/acre) exceeds the production values for the Rangeland Reference Area (357 lbs/acre), thereby satisfying the success standard specified in the permit. Tables A-16 and A-17 display the wet and dry weights per life form for all herbaceous vegetation clipped during the 2005 sampling event on the AVF Reference and Irrigated Pasture Reclaimed Areas. In 2006, herbaceous vegetation production on the Rangeland Reclaimed Areas (218 lbs/acre) exceeds the production values for the Rangeland Reference Area (31 lbs/acre), thereby satisfying the success standard specified in the permit. Tables A-21 and A-22 display the wet and dry weights per life form for all herbaceous vegetation clipped during the 2006 sampling event on the AVF Reference and Irrigated Pasture Reclaimed Areas. Analysis of species diversity shows that the Rangeland Reclaimed areas satisfy the standard established in the permit. Vegetative cover data collected in -2005 and 2006 captured three cool-season grasses, two warm-season grasses, and one perennial forb present between 5 and 60 percent relative cover. Tables A- 23 and A-24 summarize the relative cover values of the most abundant vegetative species sampled during 2005 and 2006, respectively. A complete list of the species sampled on the Rangeland Reclaimed Areas, including mean absolute cover and relative cover values, is presented in Tables A-6, and A-7. The shrub component satisfies the success standard of at least 5% relative shrub cover in both years. The shrub component in 2005 was 7.62% relative cover of approved species. In 2006, relative shrub cover was 13.76%.. • Comments received from CDMG following submittal of the 2005 Vegetation Sampling Protocol detailed concerns that the randomly determined transect locations did not result in transects being located in some of the individual reclaimed areas. Specifically, Reclamation Areas I, J, L, M, N, O, and P, did not have transects conducted within them. Figures 2 and 4 show the location of individual reclamation areas within the Rangeland Reclaimed Area. Visual observation of the omitted areas determined that the cover and species diversity occurring in these areas are not significantly different from the areas containing transects, with one exception. Reclamation Area J has one oval-shaped patch, measuring approximately 35 feet by 20 feet, dominated by Western ragweed. Basin sprayed this infestation with herbicide during the spring of 2005 and the plants in this area were observed to be wilting and dying at the time of the sampling event. Basin also spot-applied herbicide to individual Canada thistle plants throughout the Rangeland Reclaimed Area. Visual observation of vegetation growing on the Rangeland Reclaimed Areas in 2006, in conjunction with cover data derived from the point-intercept transects revealed one significant alteration to the vegetative composition. Yellow sweet clover, which represented 19.26 of the relative cover in 2005, was not captured during the 2006 sampling event. While some individual yellow sweet clover plants were observed in 2006, the dry spring greatly restricted the dominance of this species in Reclamation Areas H and I that was present during the 2005 sampling event. Additionally, Basin re-applied herbicide in early 2006 to the patch of Western ragweed occupying a portion of Reclamation Area J. This patch of Western ragweed is smaller than in the previous year (approximately 15 feet by 6 feet) and none of the individual plants observed were taller than 3-inches in height. Survey results indicate a permanent, self-sustaining stand of vegetation established on the Rangeland Reclaimed Areas. Analysis of revegetation standards indicates a favorable recommendation for approval of year 10 Phase III bond release for the Rangeland Reclaimed Areas at the Golden Eagle Mine. 2215_Go1denBag1e_PH3BOND 2006 3-10-08.doc 2-3