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RECLAMATION PLAN EXHIBIT E(CONT) <br /> the grasses . If the seed is broadcast, the amount will be in- <br /> creased (doubled) and spread on a rough surface. The seeded <br /> areas will then be dragged or raked thoroughly to set the seed. <br /> We expect to see some natural invasion of sagebrush and cactus <br /> from adjoining areas so we will not seed these species to pre- <br /> serve the grasslands as long as possible. <br /> Experience shows that on other operations the seeded area <br /> will have a heavy cover of weeds after the first year. The <br /> inclusion of winter wheat will reduce this probability. It will <br /> tend to shade the seedbed, retain snow in the winter and act as a <br /> wind break for the newly emerging grasses . The second year there <br /> are fewer weeds as the grasses start to take hold. By the third <br /> year the weeds are mostly gone and the grass has established <br /> itself so it will grow in future years . <br /> WEED CONTROL <br /> The revegetated areas will be monitored closely each spring <br /> for the first two years to determine if noxious weeds are invad- <br /> ing the area. Walsenburg Sand and Gravel CO. has implemented a <br /> weed monitoring and control plan for this mine and it is on file <br /> in the Divisions records . Weed control will be initiated if the <br /> problem becomes serious or if an excessive weed cover is still <br /> present at the end of the second year. In no way should this be <br /> taken to mean that we will try to eradicate all the weeds from <br /> the site. Some weeds are beneficial to the game species in the <br /> area, they provide important protection from the elements during <br /> winter and nesting sites during the spring. Total eradication of <br /> weeds from the site is not necessarily desirable, so we will be <br /> using controls on the noxious weeds and letting the rest grow in <br /> select areas . It may be necessary to control weeds by mowing <br /> after the first year, the feasibility of chemical weed control <br /> methods will be studied should other forms not work. Control of <br /> noxious weeds is important to the state, and Huerfano County so <br /> USDA Extension Service recommendations with help from the <br /> Huerfano County weed manager will be followed to control them. <br /> IRRIGATION <br /> No irrigation is planned for the revegetated area in the <br /> pit. It makes the vegetation dependent on water and does not <br /> promote a vegetation cover that is diverse and capable of self <br /> regeneration. <br /> WSG- Hribar Pit Amendment December 2020 <br /> 17 <br />