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C <br />Ms. Sandra Brown <br />November 21, 2013 <br />Page 3 <br />Colowyo also maintains an area specific seeding program which hinges on the Variable <br />Topsoil Replacement Program. Areas within each reclamation unit are identified on the basis of <br />steepness of slope to target Sagebrush Steppe communities and Grassland communities. <br />Sagebrush Steppe communities are identified by all slope grades that are under ten percent and <br />Grassland communities exhibit slope grades over ten percent. Sagebrush Steppe areas are <br />targeted for an average of four- inches of topsoil and Grassland areas are targeted for an average <br />of four to eighteen inches, depending on slope and location. Sagebrush Steppe specific seed <br />mixes in the Sagebrush Steppe areas target a post- mining land use objective of wildlife habitat to <br />provide Sage Grouse brood rearing habitat and shrub re- establishment. The Grassland targeted <br />areas are expected to exhibit a post -mine land use of livestock grazing that also provides benefits <br />for wildlife. The Grassland specific seed mix also ensures slope stabilization and minimizes <br />erosion in the years immediately following reclamation. Colowyo has also included significant <br />levels of sagebrush in the Grassland Seed Mix to encourage additional shrub establishment in the <br />Grassland community areas. <br />The 2013 reclamation season once again required enormous efforts and cooperation from <br />the entire Colowyo workforce. The deliberate, positive, and safe approach to the reclamation of <br />mined lands at the Colowyo Coal Mine is reflective of its commitment to the goals and <br />objectives of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act. <br />Colowyo thanks the Division in advance for its consideration of this nomination for a <br />2013 Reclamation Award and looks forward to many more years of exemplary reclamation <br />efforts. Please contact Chris Gilbreath should you have any questions at (303) 254 -3291. <br />Sincerely, <br />Barbara A. Walz <br />Senior Vice President <br />Policy & Compliance/ <br />Chief Compliance Officer <br />BAW:CSG:pvt <br />Enclosures <br />cc: Chris Gilbreath (via email) <br />Tony Tennyson (via email) <br />AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER <br />A Touchstone Energy' Cooperative <br />r-- <br />