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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />with a dozer or by other appropriate means to ensure the material is in a loose, rough condition to <br />encourage infiltration of rain/snowmelt and root development. <br />d) The Sagebrush Steppe mix has been modified to reduce the volume of "low shrubs" in favor <br />of tall shrub components of the mix. The grasses currently included in the mix were also reduced <br />to minimize competition, while still providing some soil stabilization function. The entire trial <br />area will be seeded with the modified Sagebrush Steppe Mix as seen below. In the event <br />individual components of the mix are unavailable, guidance from the Division will be sought <br />prior to implementation of the trial. Weedguard fabric or it's equivalent will be placed in rows (at <br />intervals of approximately 22 feet) and will be used to severely reduce competition between the <br />containerized plantings and annual weeds and grasses. Please see the "Expected Field <br />Implementation Plan for Aspen/Tall Shrub Field Trials" illustration below. <br />e) Containerized 2-3 foot serviceberry and chokecherry plants will utilized from the most similar <br />source elevation available in the region. Based on the volume of containerized plants included in <br />the trial (550), and the expectations of success, a combined number of (300) serviceberry and <br />chokecherry plants within the trial during 2016 (from seed and live plantings) will be considered <br />a successful demonstration of Coloywo's ability to proceed further with additional plantings. <br />Supplemental planting of serviceberry and chokecherry will be initiated in year 2012 should <br />survival of the 2011 plantings be less than 350 stems/acre. Alternative methods for demonstrating <br />compliance with the establishment of Tall Shrub habitat in South Taylor will be initiated with the <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife during 2013, should failure of this trial continue. <br />f) Containerized serviceberry and chokecherry plants will be placed through the weed <br />barrier by hand (or by mechanical means if practical and economically feasible) as per best <br />practices with regards to depth, etc. Proper planting holes are important in transplant survival. <br />Holes should be two to three times wider than the root ball. If the soil is clay and the sides of the <br />hole become glazed during digging, the sides of the hole should be roughened with a spade. Holes <br />should be prewatered before planting in dry soils. This prevents initial postplant water from <br />migrating away from the root ball. Every effort will be made to plant at the same depth that the <br />tree or shrub was growing in its previous location. Damaged roots will be clean-cut with a sharp <br />blade prior to planting. If any circling or kinked roots are discovered during the transplanting <br />procedure, they will be severed to prevent future girdling of the plant. Every effort will be made <br />to orient the tree or shrub in the same direction, relative to the sun, as it was facing in the previous <br />location. Plantings will be performed in the fall by properly trained personnel. Serviceberry and <br />chokecherry planting densities will be one plant every four linear feet (1/2 serviceberry, 1/2 <br />chokecherry) within a row. <br />g) Colowyo will place contour furrows immediately above approximately every third fabric row <br />(approximately every 66 feet). The trial will exhibit alternating bands of modified Sagebrush <br />Steppe mix (approximately 17 feet), fabric/containerized plantings (4-5 feet wide), modified <br />Sagebrush Steppe mix (approximately 17 feet), fabric/containerized plantings (4-5 feet), modified <br />Sagebrush Steppe mix (approximately 12 feet) contour furrow (approximately 5 feet). This <br />pattern should allow for specific emphasis on containerized plantings establishment while <br />minimizing the risk of excessive erosion during the period of early establishment of the trial area. <br />h) An "elk proof' exclusionary fence will be erected around the perimeter of entire trial area to <br />protect it from ungulates. <br />i) In the event of stand failure the area will revert back to sagebrush steppe for purposes of Phase <br />III bond release in the future, with the exception that the requirement for 50% of the required 375 <br />shrubs in this area be big sagebrush (Section 4.15.8), this requirement will reasonably be dropped, <br />due to the reduction in sagebrush seed included in the mix applied. <br />3) Colowyo agrees to establish one small (one acre) tall shrub establishment site with thin topsoil <br />conditions. The location of this area will be in the immediate proximity of the South Taylor X coal pod <br />as portrayed below and on Map 28B. The location for this trial represents elevation and aspect <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-51 Revision Date: 8/28/17 <br />Revision No.: TR -115 <br />