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each 1.6 acre shrub clump which will provide hiding and thermal cover in each 46-acre area of influence. <br /> The major shrub species transplanted are Gambel's oak, serviceberry, chokecherry, and snowberry. <br /> However, all shrub species will be counted to meet density requirements since all species provide some <br /> measure of forage and/or cover (Table 4.4-14). The shrub density standard may also be met through <br /> other methods that incorporate mature shrub clumps. As described in Section 3.6.3.5, the seeding of low <br /> shrubs between the mature shrub clumps may be done. Additionally, aerial or interseeding of big <br /> sagebrush may be performed to increase winter forage for wildlife. <br /> Further, direct haul of topsoil from the prestrip area to the regraded spoils results in sprouting of native <br /> perennials. Thus, a random distribution of various native shrub species can be expected. <br /> Directly hauled topsoil may also be applied to the mature shrub clump areas. Sprouting of shrubs from <br /> freshly removed and replaced topsoil will add to the density of shrub species within clumps and provide <br /> additional cover and forage. If sufficient shrub sprouting can be achieved through the direct haul of topsoil <br /> to meet the 400 shrub stems per acre standard, other forms of shrub establishment, with the exception of <br /> mature shrub clumps, may be curtailed. <br /> A determination of having met the shrub density standard will be based on density transects conducted <br /> the last two years of the 10-year liability period (or in two consecutive years subsequent to the 10-year <br /> liability period) across the reclaimed areas, including shrub re-establishment areas. Direct count belt <br /> transects will be used to obtain an average shrub stem density count on reclaimed lands, A and B range <br /> sites. Actual woody stem sampling methodologies for determining establishment success are discussed <br /> in Section 4.4.1.6. <br /> In shrub clumps, transplanted shrub pads will be inventoried for presence or absence of live woody plants. <br /> A shrub pad will be deemed successfully established if at least 10 live woody stems, from either original <br /> transplants or from resprouted plants, are observed. If less than 10 live woody stems are observed, a pad <br /> will be considered unsuccessful. <br /> From density transects an average stem density count per acre per unit area of reclaimed land will be <br /> calculated. If the actual average shrub stem density count is > 400 stems per acre and the shrub pad <br /> survival within shrub clumps is at least 50%, successful shrub stem establishment will have been met. <br /> The 400 stems per acre standard shall include the shrub stem benefit derived from stems within the <br /> mature shrub clumps. If, at a future time, Trapper decides to discontinue mature shrub clumps, Trapper <br /> will reevaluate the appropriate shrub stem density for range sites A and B, and propose a revised shrub <br /> standard for Division approval. <br /> The narrative in Section 3.6.3.5 describes shrub establishment methods and species to be utilized. <br /> 4-119 Revision:l2-?7 <br /> Approved:VAR 5 �0�� <br />