2015-08-18_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (3)

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areas should be conducted outside of the breeding and brood rearing time period ( March 15 -June 30) to minimize potential impacts. No significant impacts are anticipated on big game species. Reclamation The following identifies reclamation recommendations for the pipeline and associated roads and equipment access points. The performance standard for reclamation success is the establishment of a self- sustaining, vigorous, and diverse plant community on the site with a density sufficient to control erosion and non-native plant invasion. Reclamation efforts on disturbed areas should include the following: On non -cropland, establish a uniform vegetative cover that reflects pre - disturbance or reference area forbs, shrubs and grasses. Fence livestock and/or wildlife out of newly reclaimed areas until reclamation standards have been met and plants are capable of sustaining herbivoiy. Census and assess the utilization of the reclaimed areas by target species such as Columbian sharp -tailed grouse and nesting raptors. Reclamation seed mixes: The CPW recommends a rangeland seed mix which contains a broad array of native grass, forb, and shrub species desirable for wildlife, including Columbian sharp -tailed grouse and greater sage -grouse. Use high diversity (10 species or more) reclamation seed mixes in Columbian sharp -tailed grouse habitat. Buncligrass over sod -forming grasses can be used in seed mixes in order to provide more effective wildlife cover and to facilitate forb and shrub establishment. Avoid aggressive non-native grasses in Columbian sharp -tailed grouse habitat reclamation (e.g., intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, etc.). A small percentage (5% - 10%) of the appropriate species of big sagebrush should be re -seeded on disturbed sites. Reclamation of sage -grouse breeding habitat should include a substantially higher percentage of forbs than other areas. Native and select non-native forbs and legumes should be considered a vital component of reclamation seed mixes. Where slope is 10% or less, create seed mixes with approximately the following percentages of plant types (on a Pure Live Seed basis): grass=40%, shrub=30%, forbs-30% in order to facilitate forb and shrub establishment.