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Success Criterion: Woody Plant Density <br />Current woody plant density within the rabbitbrush/big sage mixed <br />shrubland is 2977 individuals/ acre. Observation of the community <br />indicates that the current density (particularly of rubber rabbitbrush) is <br />overly high for the post -mining use of rangeland. Neither rubber <br />rabbitbrush nor big sage is particularly desirable for livestock. For this <br />reason, woody plants are not proposed for re-establishment within any <br />area identified as within the rabbitbrush/big sage mixed shrubland <br />vegetation community of the mine site. Woody plants are proposed to be <br />re-established within all areas disturbed and subsequently reclaimed <br />and revegetated within the area identified pre -mine as the pinyon juniper <br />vegetation community. Within the overall disturbance of 22.36 acres, <br />approximately three (3) acres of pinyon juniper woodland is proposed for <br />disturbance. When revegetating within the area identified as the pinyon - <br />juniper woodland community pre -mine, additional shrub species will be <br />added to the reclamation seed mix as depicted on the seed mix table to <br />facilitate achieving the designated post -mining land use of wildlife <br />habitat. <br />In the area identified pre -mine as pinyon juniper woodland, a woody <br />plant density standard of 200 stems/acre is proposed. Achievement of <br />woody plant density will have occurred, in the area identified pre -mine as <br />pinyon juniper woodland, when the sampled density is statistically equal <br />to 200 stems/acre. This standard achieves an average woody density of <br />one stem per 218 square feet (or one stem on fifteen foot centers). <br />Soil Testing Plan <br />Fertilization immediately after topsoil replacement or coincident with <br />initial revegetation has been shown to promote weed and annual growth <br />on reclaimed areas. For this reason, evaluation of major plant nutrient <br />(N, P, K) concentrations will be undertaken during the second or third <br />growing season after initial seeding. At that time, soil testing will be <br />undertaken to evaluate the concentrations of the major and minor plant <br />nutrients. If sampling reveals a deficiency, fertilizer will be applied at a <br />rate based on recommendations of the NRCS or soil conservation agent. <br />Application can be through aerial means or dry application between the <br />rows of seedlings. <br />GCC Energy, LLC King II Mine <br />Section 2.05.4 <br />Page 17 July 11, 2017 (RN -07) <br />