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VII. Backfilling and Grading <br />A. The Division has approved a variance from meeting approximate original contour <br />for reclaimed areas located at the lower Hubbard Creek area and at the Bear Creek <br />facilities area (both areas are pre -law disturbance). The Division has approved a <br />modification in the general grading requirements of 4.14.2 since sufficient spoil <br />will not be available (4.14.2(1)). <br />VIII. Revegetation <br />A. Previously the Division had approved the use of introduced species in the <br />reclamation seed mix. The seed mix was revised in TR -27 to include all native <br />species. TR -40 revised the seed mix again to provide for additional forbs and <br />woody plants to enhance overall stand diversity. Cicer milkvetch (a non - native <br />species) was added to the mix and the grass component was modified by a <br />reduction in overall seeding rate and increased diversity. Specific exceptions were <br />made for some small disturbed areas on US Forest Service land. <br />B. The Division has approved the use of mulching with straw at the rate of 4,000 <br />pounds per acre crimped in on slopes less than 3H:1 V. On steeper slopes, <br />hydromulch or straw held down with netting will be used as a means to meet soil <br />stabilization requirements (4.15.4). <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production are discussed in Appendix <br />H of the permit application. The methods follow those suggested in the DMG <br />Bond Release Guideline, 1995. The Division has granted Oxbow Mining's request <br />for the elimination of the woody stem density standard for the reclamation of the <br />mine site. The Division has approved these techniques (4.15.7(1)). <br />D. Species diversity will be determined successful for bond release areas greater than <br />10 acres when at least four perennial species have a relative cover between 3% and <br />60 %. Of the four species at least one will be a forb or shrub, and applicable <br />perennial grasses will be cool - season species. Species diversity for areas less than <br />10 acres will be determined successful when at least three perennial species will <br />have a relative cover between 1% and 60 %. Of the three species, at least one will <br />be a forb or shrub, and applicable grasses will be cool - season species. <br />E. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that the success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based <br />on the following: <br />1. Comparison of cover and production on most revegetated areas with reference <br />areas established during the baseline vegetation study. <br />2. Standards for the small riparian community at the lower Hubbard Creek site <br />which include 44.3 percent cover and 1,784 pounds per acre. The diversity <br />25 <br />