2019-05-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (4)

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7.2 Dryland Pasture Seeding Procedures Seeding will be done with a drill seeder that can drill the seeds into the ground to a depth that the species of grass requires. Alternatively, a broadcast seeder may be used; if this is the case, seeds will be broadcasted at double the drill seed rate. A large tractor mounted broadcaster having the capacity of holding several bushels of grass seed will be used and the tractor will traverse the field such that overlapping of the seed will occur. Forage kochia will always be broadcast seeded over dryland pasture areas as part of Seed Mix #8 during fall dormant seeding. After the seed is broadcasted, a spring tooth harrow will be drug over the field to bury the seed approximately 1/4 inch. Since not all of the seed will be covered, the seed rate will be increased 100% over the drilled seed rate. If the harrow is not utilized, such as in a topsoil stockpile situation, then the broadcast rate will be double the drilled rate. 7.3 Dryland Pasture Revegetation Success Criteria Revegetation will be deemed adequate if vegetation cover and herbaceous production at the reclaimed site is at least 90% of the vegetative cover and herbaceous production at the reference area, in conformance with Rule 4.15.8. One of the three statistical comparison methods in Rule 4.15.11(2) subsections (a), (b), or (c) will be used, according to the procedures list in this Sub- section 6.4. The production standard for the dryland pasture type for New Horizon area will be based on the Old Peabody Sage Reference Area as shown in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e) - 4. The Old Peabody Sage Reference Area is located directly adjacent to the permit boundary and will be protected from domestic livestock grazing. Wildlife (deer, elk) grazing will still be allowed, as is on other reclaimed lands at New Horizon. Baseline and comparison data for use of the Old Peabody Sage Reference Area can also be found in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e) — 4. For Dryland Pasture areas, vegetation cover and herbaceous production will be measured at reclaimed sites and the reference area. Comparisons of the mean parameter values between the reclaimed areas and the reference area will be used to determine revegetation success, as described below. 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). The quality standard on Dryland Pasture, will be as follows: Page 45 May 2016 (TR -75)