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from four inches to 48 inches. Elk fence was installed to prevent predation of the young trees, <br /> and weed barrier was staked along the rows. <br /> For the Collom area revegetation, the seed mix is comprised entirely of native species with <br /> specific exceptions for four possible circumstances; pasture land, small areas susceptible to <br /> excessive erosion, the inclusion of orchard grass at elevated densities to encourage elk away <br /> from other areas, and the inclusion of modest quantities of small burnett or nitrogen fixing <br /> legumes as supplemental forage for deer, elk, and livestock. <br /> C. Mulching <br /> In the original permit application, Colowyo proposed that mulch would not be required on slopes <br /> less than 4h:Iv. The Division approved this proposal at that time. Monitoring of mulched versus <br /> nonmulched areas was required as part of Colowyo's Annual Reclamation Report. In addition, a <br /> stipulation was added to the permit requiring the use of mulching if excessive erosion did <br /> develop. <br /> Subsequent monitoring data showed that mulching was not necessary for erosion control or plant <br /> establishment. As a result of the first permit renewal process in 1987, both mulching and the <br /> monitoring program were eliminated as requirements. <br /> D. Revegetation Success Standards <br /> Prior to initial disturbance at the Mine, Colorado State University and the U.S. Soil Conservation <br /> Service Upper Colorado Plant Materials Center conducted studies, in cooperation with Colowyo, <br /> to determine appropriate seed sources, species composition and revegetation practices to ensure <br /> reclamation success at the mine site. Results of the studies conducted by Colorado State <br /> University are included in Exhibit 10 of the PAP. Methods for evaluating vegetative success are <br /> found in Sections 2.04.10 and 4.15 of the PAP. <br /> As part of this process, two reference areas have been established for the determination of <br /> reclamation success. One reference area represents the sagebrush community while the other <br /> represents the mountain shrub community. <br /> Colowyo has three distinct revegetation success standards: <br /> • The pre-2009 reclaimed areas. <br /> • The recent(2009—2012)reclaimed areas that are designated grazing land. <br /> • The recent reclaimed areas that are designated sagebrush steppe. <br /> These standards are based on the substantive changes in the reclamation plan and seed mixes that <br /> resulted from the approval of TR-72 in June 2009. <br /> E. Revegetation Monitoring Plan <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 <br /> Permit Renewal No. 8 Page 153 <br />