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of three percent or more, and shrubs were not a notable component of the type. A <br />minimum of four grasses each will contribute relative cover values of three percent or <br />greater in the reclaimed plant communities. In addition, one forb will be established. <br />Each species will not exceed 75 percent cover. Species diversity will not be evaluated on <br />areas of the TAHR corridor returned to cropland. <br />Cool season species are expected to dominate due to the environmental conditions of the <br />permit area. Species chosen in the seed mixes reflect cool season adaptations. Three <br />warm season species are included in the rangeland mix. <br />Grazing will be permitted on the reclaimed areas with careful and proper management. <br />Fencing will be installed to reflect logical management units. <br />Based on the information in the revegetation sections of the permit, the Division makes <br />the following findings <br />A. The Division approves the use of certain introduced species in the reclamation seed <br />mix. The applicant has submitted information which shows that the introduced <br />species are desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post -mining land use of <br />range and wildlife use and that the introduced plants are not poisonous or noxious <br />(4.15.2). <br />B. The Division approves the use of cover crops as a means to meet soil stabilization <br />requirements (4.15.4). <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in Tab 20 of the permit application. These techniques <br />include the use of comparisons to reference areas to set standard for total cover, <br />herbaceous productivity and species diversity. The Division has approved these <br />techniques (4.15.7(1)). <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based on the <br />following values: 1) total cover, 2) herbaceous productivity, 3) species diversity, and <br />4) frequency (4.15.7(2)(d)). <br />E. The Division approves of the reference areas which the applicant has selected based <br />on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />F. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(4)). Four reference areas have been <br />approved; Dryland pasture, improved pasture, Rangeland, and Meadow reference <br />areas. <br />G. The Division finds that the use of woody plant density standard is not appropriate for <br />dryland pasture, improved pasture or rangeland portion of the Loadout, as discussed <br />3t <br />