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Rationale for Recommendation to Approve 35 <br /> September 29, 2016 <br /> The Applicant addressed concerns regarding the use of Lodgepole Pine trees in the adequacy review <br /> response submitted on July 28, 2016. The proposed mixed conifer revegetation plan has been revised to <br /> replace Lodgepole Pine trees with Ponderosa Pine trees. Douglas Fir trees remain part of the mixed conifer <br /> revegetation plan. <br /> The Applicant has significantly modified the proposed revegetation plan for the site to address public <br /> concerns regarding slope, aspect, and elevation of different portions of disturbed land to be revegetated. <br /> The proposed portions of species to plant or seed were based on the survey of existing vegetation <br /> conducted on site by BIO-Logic, Inc., submitted in Exhibit J. <br /> Concerning Blue Spruce trees, the vegetation information submitted in Exhibit J shows Blue Spruce to <br /> exist primarily on the lower slopes near the Little Turkey Creek riparian corridor. Therefore, this species <br /> is described in the Riparian Woodland community. <br /> The Division determined the proposed reclamation plan satisfied the requirements of Rule 6.4.5, and the <br /> applicable performance standards of Rule 3.1. <br /> 40. Concern regarding Exhibit E — the applicant discusses plantings along waterways — but the <br /> miningplan indicated there would be no disturbance within 100 feet of Little Turkey Creek orDeadman <br /> Creek—what waterways?Just at the crossings? <br /> (N.Reed) <br /> Exhibit E and Exhibit F identify the three proposed areas to be reclaimed with the riparian revegetation <br /> plan. These areas include the three creek crossings, two on Little Turkey Creek, and one on Deadman <br /> Creek. Each of the creek crossing areas currently supports different communities based on elevation and <br /> other factors. Therefore, proportions of the riparian species will vary at each site. Given the planned <br /> change to topography adjacent to Little Turkey Creek within the mining area, it might be expected that <br /> species composition along that corridor will shift over time towards more sunlight and drought tolerant <br /> species. The predominant native cottonwood found on site is narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus <br /> angustifolia) and the most common willow is bluestem willow (Salix irrorata), with associated coyote <br /> willow (Salix exigua). These species will be used during reclamation in riparian areas because planting <br /> the species that are naturally found on site will generally yield the greatest reclamation success. <br /> 41. Concern regarding Exhibit E —for Gambel Oak/Mountain Mahogany reclamation areas - <br /> Gambel Oak can be extreme fire hazard-many locals are currently removing or reducing these plants <br /> - can other plants be selected for fire resistance? Concerns that Gambel Oak planting on recently <br /> disturbed lands has been problematic—current oaks may have centuries-old root systems <br /> (N.Reed,J.Enderson) <br /> The Division determined that the application satisfied the requirements of Rule 6.4.5, and the applicable <br /> performance standards of Rule 3.1. <br /> CPW provided a comment on the application, dated April 18, 2016, which included some general <br /> recommendations for protection of existing natural vegetation,control of noxious weeds, and revegetation <br /> /oF-co\ <br /> 1313 S;terrtta,, sheet, R<.oi t 215, Dt=ivC' CO 802113 P 303.866.3°,67 F 303.832 81G5 hr.rir:,',m�•�„�.st�te,�t�.tis ( �Q� - - +.+.;\fl•, <br /> 0' <br /> !ohn Vi. Ntckoi'=owi. governor Roher.W. Rand3lt, btc,ttive n ctc}: Vial,t;Branr;. Diroaot <br /> `*1876j, <br />