2016-10-28_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (3)

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Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Revegetation Introduction This narrative addresses the Revegetation Plan requirements of Section 2.05.4(2)(e) and contains the methods and materials that will be used to revegetate and stabilize all lands affected by surface mining activities at the proposed New Horizon North (NHN) Mine area. In the following discussion on revegetation methods, each major land use or vegetation plant community is addressed separately to ensure that each corresponding land use and/or vegetation type will be reestablished. Topsoil Replacement - General Comments Topsoil replacement operations may be carried out during most of the year, the exception being those periods when wet conditions would preclude handling of these topsoil materials. Prior to replacement of topsoil, the graded spoil will be ripped to reduce compaction. Detailed topsoil handling and replacement plans are provided in Section 2.05.4(2)(d), Topsoil Redistribution. The optimum period for vegetation establishment of Irrigated Pasture is during the late fall after the temperature drops below freezing and in the early spring as early as soil moisture conditions allow for tillage and seeding operations. As a result of irrigation, seeding may be carried out as late as July 15. This will allow for a 75-90 day growing season, enough time to establish an adequate stand capable of over -wintering. Fall dormant seedings may be made into annual grain stubble if the potential for competition from established weedy species is not great. During initial seeding of all reclaimed Irrigated Pasture (IP) and Intensively Managed Irrigation Pasture (IMIP) with the permanent seed mix, an annual companion grain cover crop of oats or barley will be used at the rate of 25 lbs. per acre. This will provide rapid growth so little topsoil is lost to erosion while at the same time providing some nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. This practice will help rejuvenate soils that have been in stockpiles for long periods of time. At times, the size or shape of the retopsoiled areas and shape of the reclaimed area in relation to a management unit may be insufficient to warrant establishment of the perennial irrigated pasture species initially. When this occurs, and the period before establishment of permanent irrigated pasture will extend beyond a year, Seed Mix #3 - Temporary Reclamation will be used. This mix will provide interim stabilization as well as organic matter benefits when incorporated during tillage and seedbed preparation prior to seeding of the irrigated pasture seed mixes. Prior to final seedbed preparation, soil conditioning and weed control tillage will be carried out through the use of chisel plowing and disking. Chisel plowing will relieve topsoil compaction, aid in controlling weedy species, and will leave the site in a temporary roughened condition reducing wind and water erosion potential. Disking may also be used to condition soil, break up clods, and control weeds through tillage prior to seeding. If annual weeds are a problem. several Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 1 May 2015