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operations and this type of equipment is able to handle the rough field conditions left by the scraper <br />fleet replacing topsoil. This offsets the need for seedbed preparation. <br />Beginning June 2003 all backfilled spoils will be graded to create irregular topographic undulations. <br />Where practical areas where the over -all slope is greater than 25 %, an alternative method of <br />preparation could include creation of dozer dips or track -hoe humps if deemed appropriate. Steeper <br />slopes will be drill seeded or broadcast seeded as conditions indicate. <br />Seedbed preparation by tillage will be considered in the following situations. In areas where excessive <br />surface compaction has occurred during topsoil replacement, or in compacted non - topsoiled <br />temporary reclamation, offset disking on the contour will be used. In addition, areas with excessive <br />weeds or undesirable vegetation growth may be controlled by mechanical tillage using offset disking <br />on the contour. In shrub establishment areas, competing herbaceous vegetation may be controlled or <br />eliminated by contour disking operations prior to shrub seeding or planting. <br />Controlling weeds or other competing vegetation in areas to be seeded or planted may also be carried out <br />through the use of chemical herbicides. <br />Seed Mixes and Planting Lists Four seed mixes have been developed for permanent revegetation of the II -W <br />and II -W South permit areas and the Tie - Across Haul Road. In addition, a mix of small grains for use as a <br />cover crop and a mix of native shrubs species to be sown alone to generate shrub islands have been <br />developed. Also included here are lists of tree and shrub species to be used in direct nursery stock planting <br />areas again intended to establish shrub islands. <br />Initial considerations in the development of the permanent mixes and seedling (nursery stock) lists <br />included the anticipated reclaimed area site conditions and the desired revegetation communities. <br />Specific goals which factored into the permanent seed mixes and seedling lists included rapid and <br />long -term surface stabilization, ease of establishment, maximum use of native species, adequate <br />species diversity, high levels of utility for livestock and wildlife, good forage production potential, <br />compatibility with naturally regenerating native species present in replaced topsoil, and the ability to <br />be self - sustaining or compliment successional processes in the reclaimed plant communities. <br />Attainment of these goals, in turn, facilitates achievement of the postmining land uses. <br />MR -77 12 Revised 09/13 <br />