2018-03-20_PERMIT FILE - M2017049 (2)

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Transit Mix Concrete Co. Seedbed preparation, timing of the seeding, and erosion control is vital to assure successful reclamation. The soil must provide moisture, nutrients, shelter and shade for plant establishment and growth (Brown & Hallwell, 1984). Seedbed conditioning provides important benefits for plant germination, establishment, and long- term vitality. Seedbed conditioning can loosen compacted soils, provide catchments to increase water available to plants and create microsites that shelter seeds and seedlings, and remove competing soils (Brown & Hallman, 1984). Prior to reseeding efforts, any compacted soils will be alleviated through scarification using specific necessary equipment in order to increase infiltration. As detailed in Exhibit I, soil sampling conducted within the pit indicates that topsoil has the nutrients necessary to provide adequate growth media material. As such, Transit Mix does not anticipate that soil amendments will be necessary during reclamation. However, as recommended by WHC, Transit Mix will test topsoil stockpiles prior to use to confirm that precipitation and interim vegetation have not depleted nutrients, and fertilizers and soil amendments will be added if necessary. Transit Mix does not anticipate using any fertilizers or soil amendments. Forestry and wildlife habitat land uses do not require the repeated fertilizer applications that would be required by an agricultural land use (Vogel, 1987). Timing of seeding will be key to the success of the reclamation effort. Native grasses will be seeded and allowed to be established prior the tree planting. Seeding will occur at an appropriate time for successful germination, likely in early fall to promote over-winter germination of hardy cool-season native grasses. Tree planting will also occur in the late fall when soil moisture is optimal. Bare-root stock will be protected from exposure to sun, heat, and drying during shipment and delivery to the site (Vogel, 1987). Seedlings will be planted as soon as possible after delivery. If necessary, to keep stock several days before planting, bundles will be moistened and stored in a cool, shaded place (Vogel, 1987). Site preparation prior to tree planting will include clearing an area roughly 3 feet by 3 feet, and preparing a depression surrounded by an earthen berm. Prior to planting, bare root seedlings will be dipped in a mycorrhizal solution or inoculant. Tree seedlings will be planted in the center of the basin, and an anchored weed control fabric installed. A mesh tree guard will be placed around the seedling to reduce loss from foraging species. The planting of tree seedlings on the benches will not be supported by irrigation systems, and therefore planting will be followed by an initial watering to enhance success. One of the primary goals in successful reclamation is erosion control. Transit Mix will employ a variety of methods to reduce erosion and to promote successful revegetation. Gouging and minor undulations in the topography not only reduce erosion and but also provide some visual barriers for wildlife escape and increase interspersion and edge effect (Parish & Anderson, 1994). Gouging and micro undulations creates microbasins by using a backhoe or hydraulic excavator. The hydraulic excavator is used to dig, poke, or push basins with a minimum depth or elevation Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry Permit Application March 20,2018 E-12