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Tabetha Lynch, DRMS <br />Page 4 <br />4/30/2015 <br />(2)Trapper does not utilize reference areas to evaluate revegetation success for rangeland sites. Reference <br />areas are utilized for reclaimed cropland areas. Figure 4.5 -2 of the permit depicts the location of the <br />reference area. <br />(3)Map M16 did include adjacent areas to allow for an evaluation. However, this map is currently <br />proposed to be revised with PR7. <br />(4) For the current permit area section 2.3 of the permit describes the plant communities in accordance <br />with this rule. A vegetation evaluation was conducted by Ecology Consultant Inc. in 1972. The results of <br />the study are included in section 2.3.1 and 2.3.3 of the permit. Species composition, cover, productivity <br />and woody plant density measurement results are included in these sections. <br />(5) Section 2.3.5 of the permit discusses the potential impact to threatened and endangered plant species. <br />According to page 2 -121, no threatened or endangered plant species occur or will be impacted by the <br />mining activities within the proposed mine plan area boundary. <br />The sections of the permit addressing this rule appear adequate and no additional information is needed. <br />It should be noted that PR7 currently under review by the Division adds 774.8 acres to the permit area to <br />the east of the currently approved permit area. Trapper has not submitted a plan to affect land within the <br />expansion area. Prior to disturbance within this area, Trapper will need to provide the information <br />required by Rule 2.04.10(4) for the expansion area, and the presence of rare and endangered plants <br />species will need to be evaluated for the expansion area. <br />2.04.11 Baseline Fish and Wildlife Information <br />2.04.11(l)(4) <br />(1) A fish and wildlife study was conducted for the Trapper Mine based on baseline data compiled by <br />Ecology Consultants Inc. and studies and sightings by Trapper personnel. The results of these studies are <br />included in section 2.4 of Trappers permit and Appendix E. <br />(4) Threatened and Endangered Species that may occur within the permit area are discussed in section <br />2.4.2 of the permit. For each species listed a discussion of any potential impact is included. <br />The sections of the permit addressing this rule appear adequate and no additional information is needed. <br />2.05.3 Operations Plan /Permit Area <br />2.05.3(5) <br />(5)Section 3.2.1 of Trapper's permit discusses the method of topsoil removal. Topsoil storage is <br />discussed in section 3.2.2 of the permit. Section 3.2 and 4.9 of the permit indicates the A and portions of <br />the B horizon will be salvaged as one unit. Appendix W; the Annual Reclamation Report for the Trapper <br />Mine contains a table that reports the volume of topsoil salvaged and stored in the topsoil stockpiles. This <br />