2013-10-15_PERMIT FILE - C1982057A (2)

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Planting List 4 is designed for reclamation of the wetter phases of mesic drainages identified in • vegetation baseline studies (Pab 10, Appendix 10-9). These areas are located on Dry Creek. Species selected are those that occur in undisturbed portions of the drainage. Three species included in the planting list, boxelder, narrowleaf cottonwood, and red-osier dogwood represent the dominant species of a regional native plant community of special concern -the Acet negttndo - o ulus an sti olia/ ornus ~lonifera community (see Tab 10, Appendix 10- 9}. While this community was not identified in baseline vegetation studies on the Seneca II-W Mine, returning the dominant species of this community type significantly enhances the mitigation efforts within the reclaimed Dty Creek areas. Plantings of 6oxelder, cottonwood, dogwood, and willow will be concentrated near the reclaimed channel bottom and scattered along both sides of the channel along its entire Length. Planting List 5 will be used for plantings in larger reclaimed drainages that have the potential for mesic site condi[ions. These sites are anticipated to be drier than azeas of the reclaimed Dry Creek channel. Example areas include the reclaimed drainages above Pond 006 and Pond 009. As in other planting azeas, species shall be planted in a well mired pattern. Planting List 6 has been designed for use around ponds planned for permanent retention. The • trees included in the planting list are to be planted in the upstream and downstream channel of the ponds and in clumps spaced along the pond perimeter. Silverleaf buffaloberry plantings will be planted on both sides of the pond embankment and along a portion of the pond perimeter. Plant spacing is approximately five feet for the silverleaf buffaloberry. A sufficiently large opening at the best location shall remain unplanted for big game and livestock watering access. The silverleaF buffaloberry planted at high densities is intended to eventually establish a bazrier to big game and livestock where protection of the dam structure and portions of the pond perimeter would be desirable. This shrub is thorny and often thicket- foraung and not generally palatable to big game or livestock. It is valuable as food and cover for smaller mammals and birds. As stated earlier, the planting locations on Exhibit 22-1 aze approximate and are based on the currently proposed postmining contours. Various factors may adjust the final location of a planting azea. These may include variation in localized topographic relief due to final grading or the sequencing of operations that may split a planting area into several years. In the latter case, it may be more beneficial to adjust the planting location to complete the entire planting. • The availability of better topographic relief or aspect, and hence better planting site, will take TR-50 32 Revised 11104