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desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post- mining land use, and are not poisonous or <br />noxious (4.15.2(3)). EFCI has used introduced species in both their temporary and <br />permanent seed mixtures to stabilize topsoil piles, diversion ditches, and sedimentation pond <br />embankments. The introduced species include crested wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, <br />intermediate wheatgrass and cicer milkvetch. These species have been included in seed <br />mixtures due to their rapid growth, soil holding capabilities, and forage value. At the <br />Division's request, cicer milkvetch was added to the seed mixes for its nitrogen fixing <br />capabilities, longevity, and palatability as a browse species. <br />B. Not applicable. <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant <br />density are discussed in Permit Section 2.05.4. These techniques include monitoring of the <br />revegetated areas at intervals of 3, 7, 9 and 10 years after initial revegetation efforts. Due to <br />prolonged droughty conditions in the area, the Division approved delay of year 9 monitoring <br />until the tenth year following seeding (2013). This delay for environmental conditions is <br />permitted in accordance with Rule 4.15.7(5). <br />Necessary data to assess herbaceous cover and production, diversity and woody plant <br />density will be collected during each monitoring period on both the revegetated and <br />reference areas. Although the line intercept method was used to collect baseline vegetative <br />information, the more efficient point intercept method will be used to determine vegetative <br />cover in the future. Cover sampling involves the establishment of random, 50 meter <br />transects and the use of a standard 10 -point frame. Vegetative diversity will also be <br />determined using the vegetative cover data. Woody plant density will be determined <br />utilizing 50 meter by 1 meter belt transects along the same sample lines established for <br />vegetative cover measurements. <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />success criteria of Rule 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based on the <br />following: <br />a. Determination of revegetation success will involve a comparison of vegetative cover <br />data for reclaimed and reference areas utilizing the t -test method. If absolute value of <br />cover for reclaimed areas is greater than or equal to the calculated 90% confidence level for <br />the reference area value, then the means between the areas shall be determined statistically <br />equivalent and vegetative cover will meet regulatory success standards. <br />b. Species diversity shall be considered adequate when the four dominant species, based <br />on plant cover, comprise no more than 80 percent of the total species composition. The <br />two dominant warm season grass species shall collectively comprise at least 50 percent <br />of total plant cover composition. <br />c. When the woody plant sampling data are greater or equal to the 90 percent confidence <br />interval for corresponding revised woody plant counts, revegetation will be deemed adequate <br />26 <br />