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INTRODUCTION <br />Quantitative sampling of reclaimed areas at Seneca Coal Company% (SCC) Yoast Mine was <br />undertaken in July 2010 by ESCO Associates to facilitate SCC§ continuing monitoring of the <br />progress of these areas in relation to revegetation performance standards. 2010 data collection <br />was pursued toward the end of providing datasets adequate to allow formal testing of <br />Revegetation Success and for use in eventual application for Phase II Bond Release. <br />METHODS <br />Phase I/ Area Sampling <br />All eligible Yoast Mine reclaimed lands (631.4 acres) were quantitatively sampled for cover to <br />provide information that would be of use in application for Phase II bond release for those lands. <br />All areas seeded from 2001 to 2007, as well as those areas inter-seeded and reseeded in 2009, <br />that had passed Phase I bond release were included. Sample areas and sample locations are <br />shown on Map 1, "Vegetation Monitoring Locations - Phase II Bond Release Block (BRB)." <br />Reference Area Sampling <br />The Aspen, Mountain Brush, Sagebrush/Snowberry, and Steep Mountain Brush reference areas <br />were sampled to provide data for comparison with reclaimed area data as per provisions of the <br />permit. Reference Area sampling locations are shown on Map 2, "Vegetation Monitoring <br />Locations - Extended Reference Areas".