2018-09-04_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS used to compare reference areas and revegetated areas. For weighted comparisons of original permit area revegetation (grazinglands), reclaimed area data will be compared against 55% Mountain Shrub Reference Area and 45% Sagebrush Reference Area data. However, some comparisons may be made directly against a single reference area (e.g., Sagebrush Reference Area). In this regard, any sagebrush steppe community that evolves in the reclaimed area will be directly compared against the 1981 sagebrush reference area. For weighted comparisons of South Taylor revegetation, reclaimed area data will be compared against 52% of the 1980 Mountain Shrub Reference Area, 25% of the 1981 Sagebrush Reference Area, and 23% of the 1984 Aspen Woodland Reference Area data. For demonstration of revegetation success, vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and in certain circumstances woody plant density will be sampled to statistical adequacy (where necessary), and compared to the approved standard or reference area mean. The Division has completed a comprehensive bond release guideline (1995) that provides a good overview of recommended sampling approaches, statistical adequacy formulas and statistical tests. Furthermore, new regulations promulgated 9/14/05 under Section 4.15.11 detail new allowable approaches for vegetation sampling and testing. Colowyo will utilize procedures recommended in the new regulations, guideline, or other procedures that are as effective as the Division's recommendations. Before Colowyo begins a vegetation sampling program for bond release, the Division will be consulted to confirm sampling approaches and statistical testing. A base level or initial protocol is detailed under Section 4.15.11 below. As indicated in Rule 4.15.7 (5) the 10 -year liability period will begin following the last year of augmented seeding, fertilization, irrigation, or related revegetation work. To facilitate bond release, revegetation success criteria must be met for two of the last four years of the liability period excepting that sampling for final success determination cannot occur prior to year 9 of this period (unless these rules are changed to be less restrictive by the Division). The liability period will be re-initiated for augmentation work excepting work associated with normal management activities as defined under Rule 4.15.7 (5) (a -g). This allows the liability period to remain unchanged for such revegetation metrics as "interseeding" (4.15.7 (5)(g)) of additional grasses and forbs into a stand targeting shrubs to increase cover values of these life forms. To summarize the use of reference areas in this testing process, the following will occur. There are three reference areas (RAs) that will be utilized for testing against reclamation on the original permit area and/or on the new South Taylor (PR -02) permit area. These reference areas are: 1980 Mountain Shrub RA, 1981 Sagebrush RA, and 1984 Aspen RA. All lands reclaimed prior to 2008 and grazinglands (grasslands) reclaimed post -2008 on the original permit area shall be compared to weighted parameters from the 1980 Mountain Shrub RA (55% weight) and the 1981 Sagebrush RA (45% weight) in accordance with 4.15.7(4)(b). All post -2008 lands on the original permit area that evolve into a Sagebrush Steppe community* will be directly compared to the 1981 Sagebrush RA. Areas that evolve into a sagebrush steppe community cannot be determined with certainty until several years following seeding, emergence, and maturation of shrubs. Emergence of this community may occur in both areas where sagebrush steppe is targeted as well as those grassland targeted areas that receive significant sagebrush seed. Any sagebrush steppe that evolves in either of these areas will be delineated with GPS techniques, sampled accordingly, and tested against the 1981 Sagebrush RA. Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-63 Revision Date: 5/25/18 Revision No.: RN -07