2019-11-22_REVISION - C1981019 (2)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 'Plot 3 = 6 inches of topsoil, strip seeding in alternate rows. dPlot 4 =Non-topsoiled spoil, strip seeding in alternate rows. eplot 5 = Non-topsoiled spoil, seeded with unpalatable native shrubs and low competitive forbs and grasses. To evaluate the impact from wildlife browsing, elk proof fencing was constructed on one-half of each treatment. ColoMo Mine Specific Field Trial Historically, at the Colowyo Mine in now Phase III release areas, field trial treatments to be evaluated include five plot treatments. 1. 18 inches of live-haul topsoil over spoil with strip seeding. The strip seeding would include a strip of native shrubs and native low-competitive forbs that would alternate with a strip of native grasses, forbs, and shrubs. The proposed seed mixtures for this treatment are presented in data provided in the 2005 Annual Report. 2. 6 inches of live haul topsoil over spoil and seeding with native shrubs and low-competitive native forbs. Include some surface manipulation to create depressions for enhanced soil moisture conditions. The proposed seed mixture for this treatment is presented in Table 1. 3. 6 inches of live-haul topsoil over spoil with strip seeding. 4. Non-topsoiled spoil with strip seeding. 5. Non-topsoiled spoil seeded with relatively unpalatable native shrubs, low-competitive native forbs, and low-competitive native grasses. It must be noted that at the time of planting, conditions were nearly perfect for the emergence of sagebrush (from seed) regardless of field trials being attempted. This circumstance was verified by excellent sagebrush recruitment from all surfaces reclaimed during that year. Therefore, observed results must be interpreted accordingly. ColoMo Mine Specific Plot Construction and Monitoring All plots were constructed in the fall of 2000. Annual monitoring occurred in July of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Plots were sampled for vegetative cover by species, bare ground,rock and litter. A point-intercept method was used to estimate cover. Within each plot at Colowyo, five 100-m transects were randomly located. Cover data was collected every one meter along each transect (500 cover points per plot). [To avoid loss of data, Cedar Creek commenced monitoring of these plots beginning in 2005 utilizing more stringent scientific methods.] In addition to cover sampling along these transects, CSU estimated shrub establishment and shrub height in each demonstration plot within small quadrats along each transect. At Colowyo, the quadrats were 0.25 in and were located every 20 m along the transect for a total of 6.25 m2 per plot. Within each of these quadrats all shrubs were identified to species and heights of individuals were recorded. Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-53 Revision Date: 11/18/19 Revision No.: MR-211