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acre far exceeded the proposed 400 pounds per acre. In 2008, the absolute vegetative <br />cover of 28.4% was less than 32.0%. However, the relative cover of grasses was at <br />least 45%, forbs were at least 35% and shrubs were greater than 1%. Production <br />measured at 791 pounds per acre exceeded the proposed standard of 400 pounds per <br />acre. In 2008, all but the total absolute vegetative cover would have been considered <br />acceptable. One factor that was not considered in the proposed standard was the <br />precipitation. Since 2008 was a low precipitation year, this lowered the overall cover <br />and production values. The comparison between the reclaimed area and the proposed <br />standard does show that the reclamation is close to the pre-mine cover, and the <br />production on the reclamation far exceeds the pre-mine vegetation community. The <br />reclaimed area supports the post mine land use of rangeland. <br />Based on quantitative sampling performed at the Trinidad Basin Mine, it is evident <br />that a successful and permanent vegetation cover has been established. This <br />reclaimed area is capable of self-regeneration and plant succession in accordance <br />with the requirements of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act. <br />Support of Post-Mining Land Use <br />The post-mining land use of residential has been achieved in the western %2 of the <br />permit area. Numerous homes exist in and around the mined area and other currently <br />undeveloped ranchettes lots are under private ownership within the permit area. <br />The reclaimed areas of the Trinidad Basin Mine have a vegetative cover composed of <br />a variety of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. The seasonality and forage characteristics of <br />the vegetative species are suitable for the approved post-mining land use of rangeland <br />and wildlife habitat. Evidence that deer and elk use the two sites has been. <br />documented in the past. Domestic cattle grazing has occurred periodically over the <br />last few years. No weed problems or significant bare areas were observed during the <br />final field inspection. <br />The vegetative cover on- reclaimed areas appears to be preventing rill and gully <br />formation. No evidence of instability was found. The revegetation success <br />standards were based on what would be necessary for the land to properly function as <br />rangeland and wildlife habitat. The bond release area has met those requirements. <br />Based on the achievement of those requirements, and the observed successful <br />livestock wildlife use on the site, the Division finds that the revegetation on the <br />reclaimed areas of the Trinidad Basin Mine is capable of supporting the post-mining <br />land use. The Division believes the requirements of Rule 4.16.1 have been met and <br />the eastern %2 of the permit area has successfully achieved a rangeland post-mining <br />land use. <br />Completion of Final Inspection Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />As previously explained, the Division conducted two bond release inspections, on <br />September 16, 2009 and November 5, 2009. The inspections were conducted in <br />19