2013-02-06_REVISION - C1991078 (6)

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Revegetation Success Summary of Revegetation Monitoring Honeywood Coal Company retained Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. to conduct vegetation monitoring on the reclaimed land. Field sampling was conducted in July of 2010 and August 2011 to ascertain ground cover, species diversity and production. There is not a woody plant density success standard for the site. The Operator mined two distinct areas delineated as Mine Area No. 1 and Mine Area No. 3. Each of these mine areas were sampled independently. The 3.4 acre area associated with Topsoil Stockpile No. l was included with the sampling of Mine Area No. 1. Revegetation success is based upon comparison of weighted averages from three reference areas; Grassland Reference Area (comprised of a north and south parcel), Sagebrush Reference Area A and Sagebrush Reference Area B (Page 2.05 -26 of the permit). Weighted comparisons are based upon the composition of respective pre- disturbance plant communities originally sampled in 1991 and 1992 prior to mining in these areas. Mine Area No. 1 was compared to a weighted mean of Sagebrush Reference Area A (89 %) and the Grassland Reference Area (11 %). Mine Area No. 3 was compared to a weighted mean of Sagebrush Reference Area A (50 %) and Sagebrush Reference Area B (50 %). Both reclamation parcels and all three reference areas were sampled to statistical adequacy during the 2010 and 2011 field analysis. The species diversity success measure for the site is found based on the cover data collected. The species diversity success standard for the reclaimed areas is that at least two warm season perennial grasses, one cool season perennial grass and one perennial forb with each contributing greater than 3 percent and less than 40 percent relative cover be established. Vegetation cover was measured using ground cover transects. The cover data was used to ascertain species diversity of the reclaimed area. Production was measured using the harvest method within one square meter production quadrats. In 2010, Mine Area No. 1 received 25 ground cover transects and 50 production quadrats. In 2011, Mine Area No. 1 received 24 ground cover transects and 48 production quadrats. In 2010 and 2011, Mine Area No. 3 received 25 ground cover transects and 50 production quadrats both years. All three reference areas were sampled with 15 cover transects and 45 production quadrats in both 2010 and 2011. An appropriately sized grid was used to overlay a map of the mining areas and reference areas. Sample points were selected from this grid to accommodate the desired sample size. The point- intercept method was used to sample ground cover using a laser point bar. 100 intercepts per transect was collected. For the production quadrats, all above ground current annual and perennial vegetation within the vertical boundaries of the quadrat frame were clipped and bagged by life form (Perennial Grass, Perennial Forb, Sub - shrubs, Annual Grass, Annual Forbs and Noxious Weeds). The samples were then taken to a lab and dried at 105 degrees centigrade and weighed. Results of monitoring Appendix A of the SL3 bond release application included the raw data for the cover transects and production plots measured for both mining areas and all the reference areas. The data includes relative cover percentages for each plant species as well as rock, litter and bare ground hits found. Total mean plant cover and total perennial cover (excluding noxious weeds) was reported. For production, total average production and average perennial production was reported in grams per square meter and pounds per acre. Using this data the Division was able to evaluate the findings and determine if the site Page 10 of 16