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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />grasses, forbs, and shrubs. The proposed seed mixtures for this treatment are presented in data <br />provided in the 2005 Annual Report. <br />2. 6 inches of live haul topsoil over spoil and seeding with native shrubs and low -competitive native <br />forbs. Include some surface manipulation to create depressions for enhanced soil moisture <br />conditions. The proposed seed mixture for this treatment is presented in Table 1. <br />3. 6 inches of live -haul topsoil over spoil with strip seeding. <br />4. Non-topsoiled spoil with strip seeding. <br />Non-topsoiled spoil seeded with relatively unpalatable native shrubs, low -competitive native <br />forbs, and low -competitive native grasses. <br />It must be noted that at the time of planting, conditions were nearly perfect for the emergence of <br />sagebrush (from seed) regardless of field trials being attempted. This circumstance was verified by <br />excellent sagebrush recruitment from all surfaces reclaimed during that year. Therefore, observed results <br />must be interpreted accordingly. <br />Colowvo Mine Specific Plot Construction and Monitoring <br />All plots were constructed in the fall of 2000. Annual monitoring occurred in July of 2001, 2002, 2003 <br />and 2004. Plots were sampled for vegetative cover by species, bare ground, rock and litter. A point - <br />intercept method was used to estimate cover. Within each plot at Colowyo, five 100-m transects were <br />randomly located. Cover data was collected every one meter along each transect (500 cover points per <br />plot). [To avoid loss of data, Cedar Creek commenced monitoring of these plots beginning in 2005 <br />utilizing more stringent scientific methods.] <br />In addition to cover sampling along these transects, CSU estimated shrub establishment and shrub height <br />in each demonstration plot within small quadrats along each transect. At Colowyo, the quadrats were <br />0.25 mz and were located every 20 in along the transect for a total of 6.25 mZ per plot. Within each of <br />these quadrats all shrubs were identified to species and heights of individuals were recorded. <br />Monitoring results were provided each year. A final project report was made available by June 15, 2005. <br />The final report detailed the shrub establishment results by treatment method. Final report results also <br />provided a framework for reclamation plan improvements that are designed to enhance native shrub <br />establishment, vegetation community diversity and wildlife habitat, thereby facilitating reclamation and <br />bond release success. [As noted previously, interpretation of these results must be tempered by the fact <br />that the revegetation year of 2000 at Colowyo was an ideal year climatologically for the establishment of <br />sagebrush and other shrubs from seed, regardless of underlying growth media. This observation was <br />substantiated by excellent shrub establishment across the mine regardless of trials, revegetation metrics, <br />or location.] <br />Each mine will evaluate the successful treatments from the plots at their mine. These techniques may be <br />incorporated into the reclamation plan through a revision to encourage native shrub establishment and to <br />create community diversity. <br />In the interest of determining long-term results, the DRMS intends to continue monitoring the plots at <br />regular intervals. Colowyo will be responsible for proper maintenance of the field trial sites, including <br />maintenance of the elk fencing. If excessive erosion develops on any of the plots or a noxious weed <br />infestation is established within the plots Colowyo will contact the Division and implement appropriate <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-46 Revision Date: 1/31/18 <br />Revision No.: TR -119 <br />