2021-01-14_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

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RULE 2 PERMITS inoculate reclamation areas with beneficial mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic relationships that form between fungi and plants. The fungi colonize the root system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates formed from photosynthesis. Revegetation Plan Following the topsoiling of an area,Colowyo will reseed the topsoiled area as soon as is practicable in accordance with the targeted post mining land use as described in Section 2.05.5. Seeding is targeted to occur during in the fall,prior to the first snowfall event(typically mid to late October). Colowyo typically uses a rangeleand drill to complete seeding on both targeted post mine land uses. However, Colwoyo also has the ability to utilize a Truax(Trillon) drill if deemed necessary. At times, broadcast seeding may be required on steeper areas, wet areas, very rocky areas, or simply on areas that were missed by the other seeding equipment. If seeding cannot be completed prior to seasonal snowfall,broadcast seeding may occur in the spring as soon as ground conditions allow.Broadcast seeding of the sagebrush steppe areas may also be seeded directly into snowbanks if winter or spring conditions allow. When broadcasting is utilized and ground conditions allow, a very light tine harrow or similar equipment may be dragged behind the seeder to facilitate improved soil to seed contact. Seed Mixes Two seed mixes are utilized at Colowyo,with each mix designed to facilitate revegetation meeting the designated post mining land use of rangeland, subcomponents of grazingland and wildlife habitat (sagebrush steppe). The mixes have been adapted over time in response to changing regulatory requirements, and thorough evaluations of quantitative emergence and dominance data from reclaimed and released reclamation areas. The mixes represent the seasonal varieties and lifeforms present in the pre-mine area, and are comprised almost entirely of native species. The lone introduced taxon included in both seed mixes (cicer milkvetch), which provides excellent forage for wildlife and livestock, is very successful on Colowyo's existing reclamation, and is an excellent species for providing necessary habitat requisites for a variety of insects that in turn are especially important to other wildlife. Grazingland Seed Mixture The reclamation seed mixture for post mine areas targeting grazingland is presented on Table 2.05- 7. The grazingland seed mixture contains sufficient diversity for ecological stability, erosion control for steeper slopes, and will meet the goals of the designated post mining land use. The seed mixture contains a variety of grasses, forbs and shrub species well adapted to the soil and moisture conditions found at Colowyo. The seed mixture includes species capable of occupying the anticipated micro-habitats encountered in the reclaimed areas. This seed mixture will be quickly effective for erosion control in young reclamation,while also facilitating the desired post- mining vegetative community with the same seasonal varieties and lifeforms of the pre-mined area. The species and seeding rates indicated on this grazingland mix have been adapted from an analyses of the success of past mixes, and the resulting emergence and dominance data within previously successful revegetated areas. Rule 2 Permits 2.05-20 Revision Date: 10/27/20 Revision No.: TR-143