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1. The Division proposes to approve the use of an introduced species in the reclamation <br />seed 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, and <br />are not poisonous or noxious (4.15.2). The only introduced species approved is <br />Kochia prostrata, a drought tolerant, salt tolerant half shrub approved for use at the <br />Loma Loadout. There are no introduced species in the Big Sagebrush Shrubland <br />Seed Mixture approved for final reclamation in the mine area, nor are there any <br />introduced species in the stabilization seed mix approved for the mine area. <br />2. The Division proposes to approve the use of certified noxious weed -free grass hay or <br />straw mulch as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Soil <br />stabilization and moisture retention will be further enhanced by the preparation of an <br />extensively roughened seedbed, using track -hoe gouging or comparable methods. <br />3. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in Sections 3.9 and 4.8 of Volume I. The application <br />further indicates that statistical tests of success will follow procedures recommended <br />in the Division's bond release guideline. The Division proposes to approve of the <br />specified techniques (4.15.7(1)). <br />4. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will include use of reference <br />area comparison for vegetation cover and herbaceous production, and technical <br />standards for woody plant density and species diversity (Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)). <br />The mine area woody plant density standard is 500 stems per acre. Species diversity <br />standard requires that a minimum of three perennial species shall each provide a <br />minimum of 3% relative cover, that two of the species be perennial cool season <br />grasses, and that no individual species comprise greater than 60% relative cover. The <br />Division proposes to approve these success standard comparison approaches. <br />5. A reference area will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable, pursuant to 4.15.7(4). Specifically, <br />vegetation cover and herbaceous production on reclaimed mine area disturbances <br />will be statistically compared to the same parameters within the sagebrush <br />reference area, pursuant to 4.15.7(4)(a). <br />The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />XI. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Section 4.6 of Volume I, Figure 4.6-1 of Volume 2, and Appendix I of Volume 3 of <br />the application contain the fish and wildlife resources information and fish and wildlife <br />plans pertaining to the Munger Canyon Mine. The applicant has supplied the results of <br />a site-specific wildlife study, along with materials compiled from other studies. <br />29 <br />