2018-03-20_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Steppe mix (approximately 17 feet), fabric/containerized plantings (4-5 feet wide), modified Sagebrush Steppe mix (approximately 17 feet), fabric/containerized plantings (4-5 feet), modified Sagebrush Steppe mix (approximately 12 feet), contour furrow (approximately 5 feet). This pattern should allow for specific emphasis on containerized plantings establishment while minimizing the risk of excessive erosion during the period of early establishment of the trial area. h) An "elk proof' exclusionary fence will be erected around the perimeter of the entire trial area to protect it from ungulates. i) As this area will not be receiving supplemental watering, in the event of stand failure the area will revert back to sagebrush steppe for purposes of Phase III bond release in the future, with the exception that the requirement for 50% of the required 375 shrubs in this area be big sagebrush (Section 4.15.8), this requirement will reasonably be dropped, due to the reduction in sagebrush seed included in the mix applied. 2) Colowyo agrees to establish one small (one acre) tall shrub establishment site that that displays a thicker topsoil condition. The location of this area will be in the immediate proximity of the South Taylor X coal pod as portrayed below and on Map 28B. The location for this trial represents elevation and aspect characteristics that are very similar to the Tall Shrub areas disturbed in the South Taylor area. Slope characteristics are more moderate than the areas disturbed, but for purposes of implementing and monitoring this trial it was determined essential that access and stability of the test location be manageable. Actual results from the trial should yield information that can be used to apply additional stability and/or sediment control measures on larger areas if this attempt is successful. a) The area will be regraded in accordance with PMT requirements. b) The area will be tested for overburden suitability as per requirements. c) At least 48 inches of topsoil will be placed to replicate common topsoil depth conditions in the surrounding area in stands of this nature. Once the topsoil has been placed, it will be cross -ripped with a dozer or by other appropriate means to ensure the material is in a loose, rough condition to encourage infiltration of rain/snowmelt and root development. d) The Sagebrush Steppe mix has been modified to reduce the volume of "low shrubs" in favor of tall shrub components of the mix. The grasses currently included in the mix were also reduced to minimize competition, while still providing some soil stabilization function. The entire trial area will be seeded with the modified Sagebrush Steppe Mix as seen below. In the event individual components of the mix are unavailable, guidance from the Division will be sought prior to implementation of the trial. Weedguard fabric or it's equivalent will be placed in rows (at intervals of approximately 22 feet) and will be used to severely reduce competition between the containerized plantings and annual weeds and grasses. Please see the "Expected Field Implementation Plan for Aspen/Tall Shrub Field Trials" illustration below. e) Containerized 2-3 foot serviceberry and chokecherry plants will utilized from the most similar source elevation available in the region. Based on the volume of containerized plants included in the trial (550), and the expectations of success, a combined number of (300) serviceberry and chokecherry plants within the trial during 2016 (from seed and live plantings) will be considered a successful demonstration of Coloywo's ability to proceed further with additional plantings. Supplemental planting of serviceberry and chokecherry will be initiated in year 2012 should survival of the 2011 plantings be less than 350 stems/acre. Alternative methods for demonstrating compliance with the establishment of Tall Shrub habitat in South Taylor will be initiated with the Colorado Division of Wildlife during 2013, should failure of this trial continue. f) Containerized serviceberry and chokecherry plants will be placed through the weed barrier by hand (or by mechanical means if practical and economically feasible) as per best practices with regards to depth, etc. Proper planting holes are important in transplant survival. Holes should be two to three times wider than the root ball. If the soil is clay and the sides of the hole become glazed during digging, the sides of the hole should be roughened with a spade. Holes should be prewatered before planting in dry soils. This prevents initial postplant water from Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-50 Revision Date: 1/31/18 Revision No.: TR -119