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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />trials through and beyond 2016, when Colowyo, DBMS and CDOW will revisit the expectations for <br />further larger scale establishment of these habitat types once reclamation activities begin in earnest in the <br />South Taylor area (currently expected post 2017). All data will be captured, collated and presented as <br />part of the Annual Reclamation Report provided to DRMS. Alternative methods for complying with the <br />aspen and tall shrub establishment areas may be negotiated with CDOW after the 2013 growing season <br />should initial 2011 planting and potential subsequent 2012 re-seeding/replanting efforts prove <br />unsuccessful. <br />1) Colowyo agrees to establish one small (one acre) aspen establishment area on associated disturbance in <br />an area where the original lithology has been previously disturbed. The location of this area will be in the <br />immediate proximity of the South Taylor X coal pod as portrayed below and on Map 28B. The location <br />for this trial represents elevation and aspect characteristics that are very similar to the aspen areas <br />disturbed in the South Taylor area. Slope characteristics are more moderate than the native areas <br />disturbed, but for purposes of implementing and monitoring this trial it was determined essential that <br />access and stability of the test location be manageable. Actual results from the trial should yield <br />information that can be used to apply additional stability and/or sediment control measures on larger areas <br />if this attempt is successful. The specific implementation plan of the site is as follows: <br />a) The area will be regraded in accordance with PMT requirements. <br />b) The area will be tested for overburden suitability as per requirements. <br />c) At least 48 inches of topsoil will be placed to replicate common topsoil depth conditions in the <br />surrounding area in stands of this nature. Once the topsoil has been placed, it will be cross -ripped <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 entire trial area will be seeded with the modified Sagebrush Steppe Mix as seen below. <br />Weedguard fabric or it's equivalent will be placed in rows (at intervals of approximately 22 feet) <br />and will be used to severely reduce competition between the containerized plantings and annual <br />weeds and grasses. Please see the "Expected Field Implementation Plan for Aspen/Tall Shrub <br />Field Trials" illustration below. <br />e) Commercially available 2-3 foot containerized aspen stock will be used for planting purposes <br />from the most similar source elevation available in the area. Based on the volume of <br />containerized plants included in the trial (550), and the expectations of success, a number of (300) <br />live aspen plants within the trial during 2016 will be considered a successful demonstration of <br />Coloywo's ability to proceed further with additional plantings. Supplemental planting of aspen <br />will be initiated in year 2012 should survival of the 2011 plantings be less than 350 stems/acre. <br />Alternative methods for demonstrating compliance with the establishment of aspen habitat in <br />South Taylor will be initiated with the Colorado Division of Wildlife during 2013, should failure <br />of this trial continue. <br />f) Aspen will be placed through the weed barrier by hand (or by mechanical means if practical <br />and economically feasible) as per best practices with regards to depth, etc. Proper planting holes <br />are important in transplant survival. Holes should be two to three times wider than the root ball. If <br />the soil is clay and the sides of the hole become glazed during digging, the sides of the hole <br />should be roughened with a spade. Holes should be prewatered before planting in dry soils. This <br />prevents initial postplant water from migrating away from the root ball. Every effort will be made <br />to plant at the same depth that the tree or shrub was growing in its previous location. Damaged <br />roots will be clean-cut with a sharp blade prior to planting. If any circling or kinked roots are <br />discovered during the transplanting procedure, they will be severed to prevent future girdling of <br />the plant. Every effort will be made to orient the tree or shrub in the same direction, relative to the <br />sun, as it was facing in the previous location. Plantings will be performed in the fall by properly <br />trained personnel. Aspen planting densities will be one plant every four linear feet 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 />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-49 Revision Date: 1/31/18 <br />Revision No.: TR -119 <br />