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RECLAMATION PLAN EXHIBIT E (CONT) <br /> GRASSES <br /> The seed mix listed in Exhibit J was approved for use in our <br /> 110 permit and was developed by the Arkansas Valley Seed Company <br /> as their dryland seed mix for in the Pueblo County area . <br /> Using this mixture, when drilled, will provide approximately 71 <br /> seeds per square foot . It is a mixture that should restore the <br /> site to its existing vegetation conditions . The winter wheat <br /> acts as a cover crop for the grasses . If the seed is broadcast , <br /> the amount will be doubled and spread on a rough surface . The <br /> seeded areas will then be dragged or raked thoroughly to set the <br /> seed. <br /> Experience shows that on other operations the seeded area <br /> will have a heavy cover of weeds after the first year. The <br /> second year there are fewer weeds as the grasses start to take <br /> hold. By the third year the weeds are mostly gone and the grass <br /> has established itself so it will grow in future years . After <br /> the second growing season the site will be inspected and an <br /> assessment of revegetation success will be done to determine if <br /> additional seeding is necessary. If the analysis shows <br /> additional work is needed it will be done that fall . <br /> WEED CONTROL <br /> The revegetated areas will be monitored closely each spring <br /> for the first two years to determine if noxious weeds are invading <br /> the area. Colorado Backhoe Service will implement a weed <br /> monitoring and control plan for this mine and have included a copy <br /> in the Appendix for your review. Weed control will be initiated if <br /> the problem becomes serious or if an excessive weed cover is still <br /> present at the end of the second year. In no way should this be <br /> taken to mean that we will try to eradicate all the weeds from the <br /> site . Some weeds are beneficial to the game species in the area, <br /> they provide important protection from the elements during winter <br /> and nesting sites during the spring. Total eradication of weeds <br /> from the site is not necessarily desirable, so we will be using <br /> controls on the noxious weeds and letting the rest grow in select <br /> areas for limited times as long as they do not hamper the grass <br /> growth. It may be necessary to control weeds by mowing after the <br /> first year, the feasibility of chemical weed control methods will <br /> be studied should other forms not work. Control of noxious weeds <br /> is important to the state so USDA Extension Service recommendations <br /> will be followed to control them. <br /> 16 <br />