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providing benefits to wildlife at the same time (Whitaker, 1982). Analysis of data in Tab 10, • <br />Vegetation, and determination of range condition for the mixed brush and sagebrush types <br />provide strong support for reducing these densities, as mentioned earlier. It should be noted <br />that a total elimination of shrubs is not suggested, but a reduction in shrub density in the <br />postmine environment is desirable. Successional time frames, applied reclamation practices, <br />and the inherent developmental patterns of native woody vegetation types all restrict the <br />development of reclaimed woody plant densities during the liability periods and so lower <br />densities are inevitable (see Revegetation Monitoring Reports for the Seneca II Mine, years <br />1987, 1988, and 1989). <br />For adequate livestock performance on rangeland, including lactation and daily gains, a <br />balanced forage diet is necessary. The herbaceous component will provide the majority of <br />forage and adequate nutrient quality (digestible protein, energy, phosphorous and carotene) <br />during the major part of the grazing season, but the availability of browse species will aid in <br />meeting nutrient requirements during the latter part of the grazing season (Cook, et al., 1977). <br />For ranges that are dominated by woody species, the amount and availability of nutritious and <br />palatable herbaceous species is significantly reduced, affecting the forage available to livestock. <br />The grazing season at Seneca II -W runs from late spring to fall and during this period • <br />herbaceous species axe selected by both sheep and cattle. <br />The species selected for inclusion in the permanent seed mixes were not only selected for <br />establishment of a predominantly native, productive, self - sustaining community, but also to <br />best meet the nutrient requirements of livestock and wildlife during spring and summer (Cook, <br />et al., 1977). When livestock are not using the range, wildlife can benefit from early green -up <br />of herbaceous species or use standing forage from these species as an energy source when <br />available in the winter. Inclusion of forbs and shrubs in reclaimed areas and readily available <br />adjacent undisturbed native vegetation will provide ample opportunities for well- balanced diets <br />for both livestock and wildlife. Undisturbed native shrublands are not much more than one- <br />half mile from the center of the south mining block, the largest affected area within the permit <br />area. <br />Whenever possible, direct hauling of topsoil will be maximized on reclaimed areas and the <br />amount of time topsoil remains in stockpiles will be minimized. The viable seed and other <br />plant propagules contained in the topsoil will reestablish shrubs as well as a variety of native • <br />£orbs and grasses. Howard and Samuel (1979), in studies carried out at Pittsburg and Midway <br />Coal Company's Edna Mine near Oak Creek, found that 728 shrubs per acre had volunteered in <br />Q <br />Revised 1199 <br />