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~. -u- 5. (816.117) The applicant has not addressed [he minimum performance standards for areas where woody plants are used for wildlife, shelterbelts, or noncommercial forest use (816.117(c)). The applicant should submit by September 1, 1980, reclamation plans describing the stand size, stocking, and site and species relations of the trees and shrubs that will be either transplanted, planted, or seeded. This plan should include a detailed description and map of the proposed communities that will be established. No rpe 6. (816.110 The applicant should keep the flexibility in grazing plans vs~S~i/ within guidance provided by the Soil Conservation Service. P G. Summary of Compliance Will comply if proposed stipulations are implemented. N. Proposed Department Action Approve with stipulations. I. Residual Environmental Impacts of Proposed Departmental Action During mining, 1800 acres of vegetation will be eliminated from the permit area along with the associated wildlife and soils. Two range sites existing prior to mining the low sagebrush range site, associated with shallow soils on ridgetops and the aspen range site associated with shallow soils (Splitro Soil Series) will be Lost. Both of these range sites occur on shallow soils with a lithic contact.These shallow soils inhibit growth of deep-rooted plants due to the shallow nature of the soil (20 inches or less). Loss of the low sagebrush range site will have minimal impact due to [he small acreage that will be disturbed (approximately 36 acres) and the numerous other ridgetops !n the vicinity of the mine. The Aspen range site (associated with the Splitro Soil Series) will have a major impact. This range site has been identified by OSM scientists as being an elk calving ground fora resident elk heard of approximately 300 head. The Aspen range site canna[ be restored because the shallow structure of [he soil. The shallow soils under the Aspen range site are.cri[ical to the structure and composition of the vegetation. The structure and composition of vegetation is also critical to the elk where calving grounds are located in these areas. (See 816.97 of this T.A. ).