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mechanical, biological or chemical measures, Weed control measures will be developed <br />specifically for the noxious weed species encountered and in conjunction with the local <br />weed control district and/or the Colorado State Department of Agriculture. Where <br />noxious weed control measures cause disturbance to the remaining vegetation, seeding or <br />planting of desirable replacement vegetation will occur during the first normal planting or <br />seeding season after weed control measures have been implemented. CEC intends to <br />initiate the appropriate pest, weed, and/or disease control measures at the site whenever <br />an identification is made which could significantly impact the success of the reclamation <br />activity at the Keenesburg Mine. Currently, the site is inspected at least quarterly by <br />mine personnel or qualified consultants who are evaluating the revegetation. <br />Grazing <br />Grazing will be prohibited during the first two years of vegetation establishment on <br />reclaimed areas. Grazing may be allowed on revegetated areas following the second <br />growing season, based on recommendations of the local SCS office or local soil <br />conservation district, to enhance development of a mature warm season dominated <br />vegetation community. Grazing will not be allowed to interfere with vegetation sampling <br />for monitoring or bond release purposes, and eligible areas (including the reference area) <br />will not be grazed during the growing season prior to sampling. <br />CEC believes that carefully managed grazing will improve the revegetated areas in the <br />following ways: <br />• Spring grazing will reduce reproductive ability of early annual weeds and <br />annual grasses. <br />• Grazing will stimulate plant growth and vigor. Additionally, early grazing of <br />the revegetated areas will reduce cool season graminoid representation and enhance <br />development of the warm season grasses in the revegetated community. <br />• Grazing will physically disburse seed, increasing plant distribution and <br />ultimately the ground cover. Vegetative reproduction (tillering) will also be <br />stimulated through grazing. <br />The current grazing plan was approved by CDMG in minor revision 17 (10/1990). A two <br />pasture, switchback, deferred grazing schedule was approved with grazing beginning in <br />May (or following the annual reclamation "field sampling") and ending October 31. The <br />initial stocking rate was three (3) acres per Animal Unit Month (AUM). <br />It should be noted that range management professionals will monitor the approved plan. <br />Grazing will be allowed as long as there is no detriment to the revegetation. <br />Additionally, CEC may temporarily discontinue grazing, based on recommendations of <br />the range management professionals or CEC mine staff in order to protect soil, plant or <br />other resources at the site. <br />115d 4/06 <br />