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to 1m2 sample plots. <br /> Production will not be evaluated within the concentrated tree and shrub establishment sites, <br /> due to the emphasis on woody plant establishment and concerns with competition from <br /> herbaceous vegetation. These locations are intended to establish "islands" of higher shrub <br /> and tree densities and are of small areal extent. Herbaceous production in the reclaimed <br /> mesic drainage type will be determined by comparison with the weighted mean herbaceous <br /> production of the mesic drainage and improved pasture/sub-irrigated vegetation types. <br /> Production standard of the permanently reclaimed portions of the haul road corridor will <br /> be based on average herbaceous production in the haul road corridor reference area. <br /> Species Diversity <br /> The proposed assessment of adequately diverse vegetation composition at the Yoast Mine <br /> will utilize four tests. Success is demonstrated by passing at least two of the three <br /> Alternative Tests (B, C, or D) plus the Mandatory Test (A). The tests are described in <br /> detail in Tab 22, Revegetation Plan. <br /> Woody Plant Density <br /> Woody plant density standards have been determined from studies and standards <br /> encountered at comparable surface mines in the Northwest Colorado region. The overall <br /> woody plant density for reclaimed areas will be 200 stems per acre. Concentrated shrub <br /> establishment sites will have a woody stem density standard of 2,000 stems per acre. In <br /> concentrated aspen sites, the woody plant density standard will be based on future test plot <br /> results and planting strategies based on those results. A shrub density standard is not <br /> proposed for the haul road corridors due to the minimal disturbance of these areas in <br /> relation to the surrounding area. <br /> All applicable standards, except species diversity, will be attained at not less than 90% of <br /> the standard with a 90% statistical confidence interval as required by Rules 4.15.8(3), (4), <br /> and (7). The region within which the permit area is located is typified by cool season <br /> species. The seed mixes reflect the dominance of cool season species. No attempt was <br /> made to establish warm season species nor would such establishment be appropriate in this <br /> locale. <br /> Interim Monitoring <br /> Periodic monitoring has occurred and will continue to occur on the reclaimed sites. <br /> Quantitative vegetation sampling has been and will continue to be performed on reclaimed <br /> parcels during the second or third growing seasons, and then periodically(every 2-4 years) <br /> until bond is released. Qualitative monitoring of the reclaimed areas will continue to be <br /> performed periodically to assess rill and gully formation, potential noxious weed problems, <br /> and evaluate seeding success. Seneca Property, LLC will continue to submit an Annual <br /> Reclamation Report to the Division by 30 March of each year. The Division approves of <br /> this proposal and finds it in compliance with Rule_2.04.13(1). A rill and gully report will <br /> continue to be submitted to the Division by 1 June of each year. <br /> IX. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br /> Baseline fish and wildlife information is contained in Tab 11 of the permit application <br /> package. The fish and wildlife mitigation plan is located in Tab 23. <br /> 25 <br />