2018-04-17_REPORT - C1982057 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REVEGETATION • Seeding and Shrub Planting Seeding. No additional areas were seeded in 2017. Inter -seeding of some areas of minor disturbance and where needed including the snow fence area, PM -4 drainage, and at the base of the 005 E1 and 005 Gulch drainages was done in 2014. Table 13.2 (below) is the approved seed mix for upland sites and ephemeral drainages. Shrub Planting. No additional tree or shrub planting occurred during 2017. In 2014, 4,343 trees were planted as part of the snow -fence project to reduce the amount of snow settling in the PM -4D drainage channel. A wooden structure was constructed with shrubs and trees on the lee side of the fence where snow will accumulate. Eventually the shrubs and trees will grow to create a natural snow fence. The types and number of trees planted included: Rocky Mountain Juniper 700 Ponderosa Pine 500 Douglas Fir 700 Narrowleaf Cottonwood 880 Aspen 1.563 Total 4,343 Monitoring — ESCO/Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. conducted successful Year 1 - Phase III vegetation success monitoring on approximately 804 acres (as shown on Map 1) of eligible reclamation during the summer and fall of 2015, followed by Year 2 monitoring in 2016. The combined 2015/2016 monitoring report has been received and reviewed, and SP is proceeding with preparation of a draft Phase III Bond Release application for submittal in second quarter 2018. • Weed Control - A noxious weed survey was completed for the IIW Mine area in the spring of 2017 to determine the need or level of re -treatment necessary for areas sprayed in 2016 and to identify any new weed infestations. Canada thistle was the primary target species in all control areas, with lesser activity directed toward areas of hounds -tongue and whitetop. The applied herbicide consisted of a tank mix of Milestone, Activator 90, and Journey, Banvel, or Weedone LV6, dependent on the targeted weed(s). Control areas were sprayed in July, and August. See the attached 2017 Weed Spray Logs for the locations and quantities sprayed. Spot -spraying was used for targeted weed control, reducing potential impacts to adjacent desirable vegetation. The herbicide mix, based on recommendations from the Colorado State Extension Service, was mixed and applied by an contractor, who is a Certified Commercial Applicator. The weed control areas will continue to be monitored in 2018 for effectiveness and any necessary retreatment. • Grazing - Cattle (100 cow/calf pairs) were moved onto the Seneca IIW reclaim area in early - September and moved off by late -October. This grazing schedule resulted in a total of 208 AUMs for 2015. See attached 2013 Grazing Plan Map for pasture locations (areas grazed in 2017 are the same as those shown on the 2013 map). Assumptions: • One (1) cow/calf pair = 1.2 AUM, One (1) AUM requires 810 lbs. of forage