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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />characteristics that are very similar to the majority of the tall shrub areas disturbed in the South Taylor <br />area. Slope characteristics are more moderate than the areas disturbed, but for purposes of implementing <br />and monitoring this trial it was determined essential that access and stability of the test location be <br />manageable. Actual results from the trial should yield information that can be used to apply additional <br />stability and/or sediment control measures on larger areas if this attempt is successful. <br />a) The area will be regraded in accordance with PMT requirements. Additional ripping of the <br />overburden material will be conducted by a dozer to a depth of approximately four feet to ensure <br />the material is in a loose, rough condition to encourage infiltration of rain/snowmelt and root <br />development. Overburden with a significant coarse fragment component is desireable. <br />b) The area will be tested for overburden suitability as per requirements. <br />c) An approximate average of four inches of topsoil will be placed to replicate common topsoil <br />depth conditions in the surrounding area in stands of this nature. Once the topsoil has been <br />placed, it will be roughened with a disc (pulled by a dozer or other appropriate machine) to ensure <br />the material is in a loose, rough condition to encourage infiltration of rain/snowmelt and root <br />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 reduced to <br />minimize competition, while still providing some soil stabilization function. The entire trial area <br />will be seeded with the modified Sagebrush Steppe Mix as seen below. In the event individual <br />components of the mix are unavailable, guidance from the Division will be sought prior to <br />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 mahogany plants will utilized from the most similar <br />source elevation available in the region available. Based on the volume of containerized plants <br />included in the trial (550), and the expectations of success, a combined number of (300) <br />serviceberry and mahogony plants within the trial during 2016 (from seed and live plantings) will <br />be considered a successful demonstration of Coloywo's ability to proceed further with additional <br />plantings. Supplemental planting of serviceberry and mahogony will be initiated in year 2012 <br />should survival of the 2011 plantings be less than 350 stems/acre. Alternative methods for <br />demonstrating compliance with the establishment of Tall Shrub habitat in South Taylor will be <br />initiated with the Colorado Division of Wildlife during 2013, should failure of this trial continue. <br />f) Containerized serviceberry and mountain mahogony 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 />mountain mahogony planting densities will be one plant every four linear feet (1/2 serviceberry, <br />1/2 mahogony) 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 />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-52 Revision Date: 8/28/17 <br />Revision No.: TR -115 <br />