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To: Jared Ebert <br /> Date: December 29, 2017 <br /> Page 11 <br /> Response 21 <br /> A minimum of three feet of growth media will be placed over the affected areas with the <br /> top six inches being topsoil. Existing topsoil on site has been inventoried, and the <br /> existing quantity verified to balance with the final needs for reclamation. <br /> Comment 22 <br /> Please provide a noxious weed monitoring and control plan. <br /> Response 22 <br /> The following has been added to Exhibit E: <br /> Weed Inventory, Monitoring, and Control Plan <br /> The reclamation and revegetation process can take several years to fully implement and <br /> achieve desired results. Early control and management of new weed infestations through <br /> identification, early detection and response will be utilized for disturbed areas that have <br /> been reseeded as a part of the reclamation process. <br /> Pre-existing weeds identified on site will be controlled through continued attention and <br /> spot application of the appropriate herbicides. Controlling the existing infestations is an <br /> important preventative measure that will keep weeds from spreading and increasing in <br /> size. <br /> Topsoil has supported grazing and other agricultural uses on this site for decades, <br /> however, if sufficient new grass growth does not occur within two seasons after planting, <br /> the soil base and weed growth will be re-examined, treated as necessary and reseeded. <br /> The primary management methods to control weeds will be grazing, mechanical control, <br /> and herbicide control. <br /> Grazing Control is currently being utilized on site. Leased pasture is used to graze cows <br /> and horses. There is also limited hay production. Since mining will be progressive, <br /> exposing limited areas at a time, remaining pasture will continue to be grazed until <br /> mining progresses to the point that grazing is no longer feasible. Care will be taken not <br /> to overgraze the remaining pasture areas. <br /> Mechanical control will be performed through consistent mowing. Mowing is effective <br /> in keeping weeds under control and will prevent seed dispersal and provide suppression <br /> so that new grass growth may occur. LRM will mow problem areas and newly reclaimed <br /> areas at least two times per growing season to help minimize weed progression and <br /> establish new grass. <br /> Response to DRbfS comments T E L E S T <br />