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Rationale for Recommendation to Approve 39
<br /> September 29, 2016
<br /> not used for reclamation of the site will be regraded to 3H:1 V slopes, receive a minimum depth of six
<br /> inches of topsoil, and be revegetated in accordance with the mixed conifer revegetation plan. The mixed
<br /> conifer revegetation plan for this portion of the site (south of Little Turkey Creek) will include planting
<br /> approximately 85% Douglas Fir trees and 15% Ponderosa Pine trees. Prior to tree planting, the area will
<br /> be seeded with a grass seed mixture recommended by the NRCS.
<br /> The Division determined the proposed reclamation plan for the fines/overburden stockpile area satisfied
<br /> the requirements of Rule 6.4.5, Rule 6.4.6, C.R.S. 34-32.5-116, and the applicable performance standards
<br /> of Rule 3.1.
<br /> 49. Concerns regarding Exhibit E-Reclamation Plan -does not adequately demonstrate proposed
<br /> revegetation will be at least equal, with respect to extent of cover to natural vegetation of surrounding
<br /> area and that it will be of adequate diversity to establish successful reclamation per 34-32.5-116(4)(1)
<br /> (N. Reed,S. Milliken)
<br /> According to C.R.S. 34-32.5-116(4)(f), reclamation plans and their implementation are required on all
<br /> affected lands, including that in those areas where revegetation is part of the reclamation plan, land shall
<br /> be revegetated so that a diverse, effective, and long-lasting vegetative cover is established that is capable
<br /> of self-regeneration and is at least equal, with respect to the extent of cover, to the natural vegetation of
<br /> the surrounding area. Species chosen for revegetation shall be compatible for the proposed post-extraction
<br /> land use and shall be of adequate diversity to establish successful reclamation.
<br /> In Exhibit J, the Applicant provided a narrative describing seven vegetation communities that presently
<br /> exist on the Hitch Rack Ranch property. The proposed affected land is located within the property
<br /> boundaries, but does not cover the entire property. The seven vegetation communities identified include,
<br /> Mountain Shrubland(39%of property), Grassland(22%of property),Montane Mixed Confer Forest(18%
<br /> of property), Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (13% of property), Ponderosa Pine Woodland (6% of property),
<br /> Riparian Woodland (1% of property), and Herbaceous Wetland (< 1% of property). In the proposed
<br /> mining area, the primary vegetation communities present on land north of Little Turkey Creek include
<br /> Montane Mixed Conifer Forest, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Mountain Shrubland, and Ponderosa Pine
<br /> Woodland. The primary vegetation communities present south of Little Turkey Creek include, Montane
<br /> Mixed Conifer Forest, Mountain Shrubland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, and Ponderosa Pine Woodland.
<br /> The primary vegetation community present along Little Turkey Creek is Riparian Woodland. In the
<br /> eastern, flatter portion of the property where the proposed access road would be located, the primary
<br /> vegetation communities include Grassland, Mountain Shrubland, and some Ponderosa Pine Woodland.
<br /> The proposed revegetation plan provided in Exhibits E and F takes into consideration the variations in
<br /> slope, aspect, and elevation in different portions of the proposed affected land. Proposed proportions of
<br /> plant species are based on vegetation sampling conducted on site by BIO-Logic, Inc. during preparation
<br /> of the Mexican Spotted Owl Habitat Assessment and survey for Exhibit J information. All disturbed areas
<br /> will be revegetated with a native grass mixture provided by NRCS, for the project area to provide a seed
<br /> mixture conducive with site conditions to achieve final post mining land use. The Applicant proposes
<br /> planting a mountain shrubland mixture along the majority of the access road, and a slight variation
<br /> mountain shrubland mixture on south-facing slopes to the north of Little Turkey Creek and Deadman
<br /> Gulch. The mountain shrubland mixtures will be supplemented by other woody species at a rate of 200
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