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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />In summary, application of PERA on "shrub -favorable areas" would be based on the community <br />development contributory factors of. 1) soil quantity, quality, and replacement depth; 2) aspect, <br />slope, and landform; 3) documented and expected performance of various floral species; 4) <br />revegetation metrics; and 5) the target post -mining land use. In this manner, reclamation and <br />resultant developing communities will be encouraged to follow a more natural path to maturation <br />and successional progression as opposed to more historically utilized grassland favorable <br />approaches that should only be applied to the remaining 60% to 80% of reclaimed ground (sloping <br />areas). However, there will likely be instances, if not an overall need, to incorporate managerial <br />practices to encourage or protect positive recruitment to the shrub populations. Such management <br />may include the following steps: <br />• Use of elevated quantities of sagebrush seed within the grassland target areas, <br />and placement of that seed in a manner to encourage sagebrush emergence. <br />• Use of limited livestock (cattle) grazing to select against grasses and for shrubs <br />and forbs. <br />• Use of elk -proof fencing to preclude access into large blocks of maturing shrub <br />populations, especially core areas. <br />• Use of hunting pressure to reduce elk utilization of new reclamation where it <br />can be incorporated in a safe manner given proximity to active mining. Develop <br />special seasons in concert with CDOW for management of "refuge" elk. For <br />obvious reasons, any activity in this regard would have to be designed and <br />approved for implementation in accordance with applicable statutes. <br />Furthermore, approvals from appropriate agencies (CDOW, MSHA, etc.) will <br />be obtained as necessary. <br />• Use of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) in key reclamation locations to <br />encourage elk away from maturing shrub populations. It has been documented <br />that this taxon is heavily utilized by foraging elk. <br />Implement procedures for micro -habitat development whereby snow catchment <br />is encouraged and shrub heavy mixes can be applied. <br />• Interseeding of shrubs (as necessary as a normal husbandry practice) within <br />areas not exhibiting satisfactory establishment of shrubs, but still presenting <br />opportunities (micro -niches) for shrubs. Such interseeding would be performed <br />in accordance with Rule 4.15.7(5)(g), and documentation of any such efforts <br />would be provided in the Annual Reclamation Report for that year. <br />Colowyo's new reclamation plan, includes management and revegetation specifications (e.g., <br />shrub species in the seed mix) for use on the "grassland" targeted areas that will facilitate additional <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-71 Revision Date: 5/25/18 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />