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plots along each transect. Transects will be located randomly. <br />At the Northwest fan shaft site, and corresponding reference area, the method is <br />adapted to be more appropriate for a small area. Cover and diversity will be sampled <br />using a minimum of 10 meter long point intercept transects and up to 25 meters. <br />Production comparisons will be made by clipping two 0.5 m2 plots located along one <br />side of each transect. The Division approved these techniques (4.15.7(1)). <br />C. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based on <br />the following: <br />Reference areas are used as opposed to standards. Separate reference areas for <br />rangeland (grassland) and pastureland (AVF) were approved. For the rangeland <br />use, herbaceous cover and production shall be at least 90% of the cover as <br />determined from the rangeland reference area with 90% statistical confidence. <br />Species diversity will be deemed adequate when the reclaimed lands, reseeded to a <br />post mining land use of rangeland, consist of a minimum of two cool season <br />grasses, two warm season grasses, and one forb. These species shall each comprise <br />five percent and no more than sixty percent relative cover and shall be perennial <br />non -noxious species. <br />For the pastureland use, production data from the pastureland (AVF) reference area <br />will be used to evaluate the revegetative success of the pastureland reclamation. <br />Shrub density will be determined to be adequate when sampling determines that <br />shrubs comprise at least 5% of the total species composition. <br />The Division approves the basis for this comparison. <br />D. The Division approved the reference areas that the applicant has selected based on <br />the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />E. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner, <br />which the Division finds acceptable 4.15.7(4)). <br />XII. Post -mining Land Use <br />No specific approvals granted under this section. <br />XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />No specific approvals granted under this section. <br />15 <br />