2019-01-17_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (2)

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Vegetation cover will be measured as either canopy cover or basal cover of living herbaceous and woody vegetation, as defined by Rule 4.15.8(3)(b). Herbaceous production will be measured as current year above -ground biomass of herbaceous vegetation, as defined by Rule 4.15.8(4). Vegetation sampling for measuring reclamation success will be conducted to ensure a repeatable and unbiased estimate of each vegetation population parameter. Measurements made on the reference area will be done in the same manner and season as measurements made on reclaimed lands, to ensure valid comparisons as specified in Rule 4.15.11(1). Measurements will be typically made in late May to early June, although the timeframe is subject to variation associated with weather conditions and irrigation water availability. Sampling will be conducted prior to 1 st cut harvest of the reclaimed fields and prior to any growing season livestock grazing in the reference area. Irrigated Pasture Reference Area Characterization and Mana emnent The irrigated pasture reference area is shown on Map 2.05.4(2)(e)-2. A detailed discussion of reference area characteristics and management is presented below: Reference Area Characterization The Irrigated Pasture reference area is a typical irrigated pasture in the Nucla area. The reference area is adjacent to the mine and contains many of the same soils which are present in the reclaimed area. Vegetation is almost entirely herbaceous species, mainly introduced perennial pasture grasses planted for livestock forage. Flood irrigation results in uneven water application, and as a result the species composition within the reference area varies with soil moisture. On most of the reference area where soil moisture is moderate, at least 8 species of upland perennial grasses are dominant, with Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, wheatgrasses, and meadow fescue the most dominant (Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-5 shows production and cover summary data from 2007 vegetation sampling, and scientific names of plants). Desirable perennial forbs are much less common, and include mainly Alsike clover with minor amounts of dandelion. In shallow drainage ways the soil is saturated during the growing season and wetland plants dominate primarily various species of sedge and rush with minor amounts of tufted hairgrass, buckhorn plantain, common plantain, and rarely cattail. In June 2007, mean cover of total vegetation measured at 15 transects was 71.9% (see Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-5). Most of the remaining cover was litter, with very little bare ground (3.5%). Most of the vegetation is desirable (perennial grasses, grass -like plants, and forbs, excluding noxious weeds), comprising 68.6% cover. Of these, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue contribute nearly 48% relative cover (the fraction of total vegetation cover), and sedges, rushes, and wheatgrasses comprise 32% relative cover. Among life forms, desirable perennial Page 18 October 2016 (TR -75)