2020-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C1981010A (7)

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thermal cover in each 46-acre area of influence. The major shrub species transplanted are Gambel's oak, serviceberry, chokecherry, and snowberry. However, all shrub species will be counted to meet density requirements since all species provide some measure of forage and/or cover (Table 4.4-14). As described in Section 3.6.3.5, the seeding of low shrubs between the mature shrub clumps may be done. The shrub density standard may also be met without the inclusion of shrub clumps by meeting a 550 live stems per acre threshold. Further, direct haul of topsoil from the prestrip area to the regraded spoils results in sprouting of native perennials. Additionally, aerial or interseeding of big sagebrush may be performed to increase winter forage for wildlife. Thus, a random distribution of various native shrub species can be expected. Directly hauled topsoil may also be applied to the mature shrub clump areas. Sprouting of shrubs from freshly removed and replaced topsoil will add to the density of shrub species within clumps and provide additional cover and forage. If sufficient shrub sprouting can be achieved through the direct haul of top- soil to meet the 400 shrub stems per acre standard, other forms of shrub establishment, with the excep- tion of mature shrub clumps, may be curtailed. A determination of having met the shrub density standard will be based on density transects conducted the last two years of the 10-year liability period (or in two consecutive years subsequent to the 10-year liability period) across the reclaimed areas, including shrub re-establishment areas. Direct count belt transects will be used to obtain an average shrub stem density count on reclaimed lands, A and B range sites. Actual woody stem sampling methodologies for determining establishment success are discussed in Section 4.4.1.6. In shrub clumps, transplanted shrub pads will be inventoried for presence or absence of live woody plants. A shrub pad will be deemed successfully established if at least 10 live woody stems, from either original transplants or from resprouted plants, are observed. If less than 10 live woody stems are observed, a pad will be considered unsuccessful. From density transects an average stem density count per acre per unit area of reclaimed land will be calculated. Successful shrub stem density will be calculated by one of two options. Option one would include shrub clumps and the density standard would be the following. If the actual average shrub stem density count is > 400 stems per acre and the shrub pad survival within shrub clumps is at least 50%, successful shrub stem establishment will have been met. The 400 stems per acre standard shall include the shrub stem benefit derived from stems within the mature shrub clumps. Option two would not include shrub clumps and would require that the standard to satisfy successful shrub density would be > 550 live stems per acre. The narrative in Section 3.6.3.5 describes shrub establishment methods and species to be utilized. 4-119