2013-12-30_REVISION - C1981041 - Laserfiche WebLink

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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: MIKE BOULAY FROM: JANET BINNS SUBJECT: ROADSIDE MINE, C1981 -041, SL8 VEGETATION REVIEW DATE: 12/30/2013 CC: I have reviewed the Roadside Mine, C1981 -041, application for a partial Phase II and III Bond Release for 136.3 acres of reclaimed land. The approved post- mining land use for the areas contained in the bond release application is wildlife habitat (PAP pg. 14 -22). Two different reference areas were used for reclamation success comparison; a greasewood reference area and a shadscale reference area. The reference area used for comparison was determined by the pre - disturbance community present in the area under consideration. The greasewood community tends to be found along drainages and at the lower elevations. The shadscale community is generally found on the steeper slopes and higher elevations. The area at the Roadside Mine and surrounding landscape has experienced a persistent invasion/dominance of Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Snowcap Coal Company (SCC) has worked with the Division, CSU -Tri -River Area Extension Service, Dr. George Beck CSU- Extension Service Cheatgrass expert, and Mesa County weed supervisors for many years. Herbicide treatment and interseeding were conducted on areas identified as problematic in 2005 through 2007 in accordance with extension service recommendations. In spite of repeated efforts, it appeared that the current technology was insufficient to control Cheatgrass in the area. SCC submitted TR60 in January 20, 2011, in order to provide reclamation success standards that account for the invasive annual grass concerns prevalent in the region. TR60 was approved May 5, 2011. Greasewood Bond Release Block Cover: Greasewood Areas 2011 & 2012. The live vegetative cover in the greasewood bond release block during the 2011 vegetation sampling effort measured 69.3 %. The average perennial vegetative cover was 24 %. Of this live vegetative cover, 34% was attributed to Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum [syn. Anisantha tectorum]). Cheatgrass is considered a noxious weed (Colorado Department of Agriculture, Noxious Weed Act) and is not included in the reclamation success determination.