2017-03-23_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A

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RULE 2 PERMITS Similarly, the introduced species, small burnett, has been retained in the contingency species list (Volume 15, Table 2.05.8) owing to its well documented value to wildlife. Data on reclaimed areas at Colowyo, has indicated that orchard grass is an important grass species for controlling erosion and providing cover the first growing season, while decreasing subsequent growing seasons. Orchard grass comprised 0.13 plants per square foot the first growing season, while decreasing to less than 0.02 plants per square foot the second growing season. This indicates the effectiveness of orchard grass to provide erosion control early on revegetated areas, while not sustaining this vigor in later years due to increased competition and crowding by other species as well as targeted selection by elk (i.e. it has been repeatedly observed in Colowyo reclamation, that orchard grass plants have been selectively consumed by resident elk, and therefore, can be considered highly desirable forage). There is a place for certain introduced species in Colowyo reclamation. Occasional use of introduced species may occur, but will be limited (as indicated in the seed mixes) to specific circumstances. The only circumstances where limited use of introduced species will not be followed are instances where a unit of land is designed to target a post -mine land use of "pastureland" or a unique area is highly susceptible to erosion. Use of the more aggressive taxa: smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass, and pubescent wheatgrass will be avoided, with the possible exception of "pastureland". Prior to such land use designation or use of aggressive taxa to combat areas that are highly susceptible to erosion, an MR or TR (as appropriate) will be obtained from CDRMS to address such circumstances. Revegetation activities in the Collom area will be conducted during the first normal planting season following the application of topsoil and preparation of the site for seeding. The most favorable times for seeding in this area are in the early spring and late fall. Spring seeding is usually severely limited by high soil moisture conditions, which prohibit the use of seeding and seedbed preparation equipment at a time when conditions are best for germination and seedling establishment. For this reason seeding will primarily be done during late fall months immediately prior to the average occurrence of the first significant snowfall event when the conditions for seeding are optimal. A modest amount of broadcast seeding may occur at other times including early spring, as detailed under Planting and Seeding Methods in this Section, but typically only for small "mop -up" circumstances. Given the significant and nearly ubiquitous past failures regarding the establishment of shrubs on Coloywo's reclamation areas, the only proven technique for use in the Collom area is direct seeding of these species, which has demonstrated some success historically at the existing operation. Previous alternative shrub -establishment methods, specifically the use of containerized saplings and live local transplants will not be incorporated into the greater strategy for large scale shrub establishment efforts. However, at CPW's request, Colowyo has agreed to randomly incorporate approximately 750 small (36 square foot) exclosures into future reclamation areas at a density of approximately five exclosures per acre on 150 acres. The specific locations of these exclosures will be identified on the subsequent Annual Reclamation Report Map following their implementation each year. These exclosures will contain tublings (containerized stock) of serviceberry and chokecherry to ensure there is a presence of these species on the greater reclamation surface. These exclosures will be fenced to prevent predation by wildlife and the surface of the exclosures will be covered by weedguard fabric to reduce competition from other plant species. While there is no specific performance criteria associated with these exclosures, they will be monitored periodically via interim revegetation monitoring efforts with the goal that at least one tubling per exclosure survives until the reclamation area it is contained within is released from liability through the Phase III Bond Release process. Protective fencing will be removed immediately prior to or immediately after Phase III Bond Release is granted as directed by DRMS staff at the time. Additional efforts such as adding snow fencing near exclosures can be implemented if it is determined extra moisture is necessary to help establish the tubling serviceberry and chokecherry plantings. Collom — Rule 2, Page 95 Revision Date: 11/16/16 Revision No.: MR -166