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considered average (101% of normal). The fall and winter seasons both received above average <br />precipitation (107% and 120% of normal levels, respectively). However, an accurate description of the <br />spring and summer precipitation cannot be made at this time due to a lack of precise data. Spring <br />precipitation is essential for the health and vigor of cool season plants, while adequate summer <br />precipitation provides development potential for warm- season species later in the growing season. The <br />above - average winter (and possibly spring) precipitation levels for the 2009/2010 growing season <br />contributed to abundant cheatgrass populations on the mine and surrounding native areas. This invasive <br />annual grass, ubiquitous throughout the West, germinates in both the fall and spring and rapidly exploits <br />available soil moisture and nutrients early on in the growing season. Cheatgrass develops rapidly, giving <br />it a competitive advantage over native, perennial plants. Collected data in 2010 are therefore reflective <br />of near - average vigor and production for perennial vegetation in addition to abundant cheatgrass cover <br />on both the reclamation and reference areas. <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. Page 7 Snowcap - Revegetation Evaluation - 2010 <br />