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Kerr (Marr) Mine - Phase III Final Bond Release Request - Permit # C -60 -006 <br />contour furrows, drainage ditches and roads, approved grazing practice, weed control, <br />vegetation monitoring and water analysis during the liability period. <br />(2). A map showing the revegetated areas, each year's sampling locations, and reference <br />area(s) if used: <br />All of the areas seeded at the mine site, and the dates of seeding, are shown on the <br />accompanying Phase 3 Bond Release Map. Sample observation locations, as transect <br />locations and the Reference Areas (2 Reference Areas) are shown in detail on maps included <br />with the Kerr Coal Company 2005 and 2006 Revegetation Monitoring Reports conducted by <br />I.M.E. and are on file at the Division. <br />(3). Documentation that revegetation success criteria as required by Rule 4.15.8 have been <br />achieved for the last two consecutive years: <br />Documentation that the revegetation success criteria have been met for the last two <br />consecutive years are shown in summary on attached Table 5. Vegetation species <br />diversification concerns pertaining to the unreleased areas referenced are addressed in <br />Technical Revision No.25 (TR -25) on file with the Division. Complete copies of the vegetation <br />sampling reports for the last two years of the liability period are on file at the Division (see Kerr <br />Coal Company 2005 and 2006 Revegetation Monitoring Reports). <br />(4). A discussion and documentation that the approved post- mining land uses have been <br />achieved: <br />The Division approved the post- mining land use intended for rangeland and wildlife which was <br />the original land use designation at the mine site and Loadout. Livestock grazing on the <br />reclaimed areas at the mine site has occurred periodically following the contemporaneous <br />reclaimed areas as vegetative forage became available. Prior to grazing periods, the volume <br />of forage was determined by the local County Extension Offices (Route and Jackson <br />Counties) and the stocking rate, or animal units per month (AUM's) to be used were <br />determined based on 1,000 pounds of air dried forage as being equivalent to one AUM. This <br />data was submitted to the Division in the form of a Grazing Plan Request (Minor Revision <br />Request) and after the Division's approval, the Plans were initiated. The practice was to graze <br />a large number of animals for a short period of time through the site. This was accomplished <br />by utilizing the large herd of cattle on the neighboring cattle ranch adjacent to the mine. Given <br />the number of cattle available during the season, the time element was calculated for the <br />AUM's which was determined by the County Extension Agents. Additionally, large herds of Elk <br />have grazed through the site for short periods during the winter months. <br />In terms of future use of the land for rangeland and wildlife, access to the reclaimed <br />areas for livestock grazing is facilitated by rolling terrain and adjacent pasture areas. The <br />reclaimed areas are bounded by fences, and water is available at the permanent ponds at the <br />site. The remaining sediment ponds, roads, shop building, and permanent ditches will all <br />remain after reclamation as approved for permanent status. These structures will effectively <br />enhance and support the approved postmining land use. <br />5 <br />