2010-10-01_REVISION - C1981010 (5)

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reclaimed areas sampled during 2010 is given in Table 1.2-4. A summary of individual transects, reclaimed parcels and reclaimed blocks is presented in Appendix 2. Table 1.2-1 indicates that the Phase II cover standard was achieved for the sampled block. The reclaimed block summary in Appendix 2 further indicates that plant cover sample adequacy was easily achieved for the areas sampled. Shrub density data is included in Tables 1.2-1 and 1.2-3 for interest only, as shrub density is not a Phase II bond release requirement. These data also serve to help demonstrate that plant diversity is being achieved on all Range Sites A and B bond release blocks. Table 1.2-2 breaks out sampling results at a plant life form and plant species level for cover. This table gives a good indication of the overall performance of individual grass and forb species in reclaimed vegetation communities. Dominant grass species include a variety of wheatgrasses, mountain tsrome and Great Basin Wildrye. Other grasses that appear to be well established and contributing to plant community diversity are Kentucky Bluegrass, Sheep Fescue and Smooth Brome. Dominant forb species include Western Yarrow, Lewis Flax and Alfalfa. Other established forbs that contributed to diversity are Cicer Milkvetch, Tapertip Onion and Small Burnett. Detection of several noxious weeds (Whitetop, Musk and Canada Thistles) at low levels indicates a need to continue weed control efforts, which is occurring on an annual basis. Stem density results in Table 1.2-3 demonstrate that four shrub species, Big Sagebrush, Silver Sagebrush, Rubber Rabbitbrush and Bitterbrush, make up over 90% of all shrubs counted on belt transects. Fourwing Saltbush and Mountain Snowberry are also well established in lower numbers across the reclaimed lands included in this bond release application. Additionally, shrub clumps provide mature Gambel's Oak, Chokecherry, Mtn Snowberry and Saskatoon Serviceberry plants which add greatly to both community and structural diversity on Trapper's reclaimed lands. A qualitative observation made while monitoring shrubs during 2010 was that a majority of woody plants established on reclaimed areas have been heavily browsed by wildlife species. This heavy wildlife browsing appears to limit woody plant growth and establishment potential. Relative cover evaluation of perennial plant species and life forms for block and parcel summaries in Appendix 2 conclusively demonstrates that established plant species are exhibiting seasonality and species composition supportive of the post-mining land use. • 6