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is shown on Exhibit 5A of the 2017 Annual Reclamation Report. Species include True Mountain <br />Mahogany, Aspen, Chokecherry and Serviceberry. Topsoil thickness is varied from 48 inches to <br />four inches. Elk fence was installed to prevent predation of the young trees, and weed barrier was <br />staked along the rows. <br />For the Collom area revegetation, the seed mix is comprised entirely of native species with specific <br />exceptions for four possible circumstances; pasture land, small areas susceptible to excessive <br />erosion, the inclusion of orchard grass at elevated densities to encourage elk away from other areas, <br />and the inclusion of modest quantities of small burnett or nitrogen fixing legumes as supplemental <br />forage for deer, elk, and livestock. <br />C. Mulching <br />In the original permit application, Colowyo proposed that mulch would not be required on slopes <br />less than 4:1. The Division approved this proposal at that time. Monitoring of mulched versus <br />non -mulched areas was required as part of Colowyo's Annual Reclamation Report. In addition, a <br />stipulation was added to the permit requiring the use of mulching if excessive erosion did develop. <br />Subsequent monitoring data showed that mulching was not necessary for erosion control or plant <br />establishment. As a result of the permit renewal process in 1987, both mulching and the <br />monitoring program were eliminated as requirements. <br />D. Revegetation Success Standards <br />Prior to initial disturbance at the Mine, Colorado State University and the U.S. Soil Conservation <br />Service Upper Colorado Plant Materials Center conducted studies, in cooperation with Colowyo, <br />to determine appropriate seed sources, species composition and revegetation practices to ensure <br />reclamation success at the mine site. Results of the studies conducted by Colorado State University <br />are included in Exhibit 10 of the PAP. Methods for evaluating vegetative success are found in <br />Sections 2.04. 10 and 4.15 of the PAP. <br />As part of this process, two reference areas have been established for the determination of <br />reclamation success. One reference area represents the sagebrush community while the other <br />represents the mountain shrub community. <br />Colowyo has three distinct revegetation success standards: <br />• The pre -2009 reclaimed areas. <br />• The recent (2009 — 2012) reclaimed areas that are designated grazing land. <br />• The recent reclaimed areas that are designated sagebrush steppe. <br />These standards are based on the substantive changes in the reclamation plan and seed mixes that <br />resulted from the approval of TR -72 in June 2009. <br />Revised Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance August 2018 <br />Permit Renewal No. 7 P a g e 150 <br />