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Mr. Tom Wainwright -4- February 10, 1983 <br />establishment is to be accomplished by "maximizing live topsoil handling" and <br />supplemental seeding and planting of shrub seedlings in "selected areas <br />oriented to provide habitat diversity, cover and winter browse." <br />The application does not provide detailed information on how the site, <br />size, number, and spacing of shrub islands will be determined. Specific <br />cultural practices designed to enhance establishment in the island areas <br />(specific seed mix, herbaceous competition reduction, irrigation, etc.) are <br />not discussed. <br />2. The post-mine vegetation map indicates that, except for two small aspen <br />plantings alony a drainage, no shrubs will be planted or seeded in the <br />northern area to be mined during the first permit term. The success of live <br />topsoil shrub establishment in this area should be closely monitored. <br />3. The planting density of 30U stems per acre for shrubs seems low, <br />considering mortality levels observed at other mines in northwestern Colorado. <br />4. Statements in the application indicate that 8 aspen groves, ranging in <br />size from 1 to 10 acres, exist on north slopes and along drainages in the <br />permit area. While not documented, elk calving could potentially occur in the <br />aspen within the permit area. Elk apparently do calve in the aspen type south <br />of the permit area, within the study area. The aspen also provide cover and <br />edge important for deer, elk and other wildlife during other seasons. <br />Within the mitigation plan, the applicant has indicated that these types <br />would be avoided duriny mining operations "where possible". From comparison <br />of the operation plan and vegetation maps, it appears that several aspen <br />groves will be impacted by haul roads and one grove along a drainage in the <br />southern block will be mined through. The applicant should indicate the <br />percentage of existing aspen stands which will be lost to mining. <br />It appears, from the post-mining vegetation map, that aspen groupings <br />will be planted in appropriate topographic positions and will be comparable in <br />areal extent to pre-mine conditions. However, the planting density of 100 <br />stems per acre seems low. <br />5. The application states that "the loss of cover formerly provided by the <br />woody component will be offset by grading to create topoyraphic diversity." A <br />discussion should be provided regarding topographic features which will be <br />incorporated into the post-mining landscape to provide cover for wildlife. <br />6. The majority of the items listed in the applicant's mitigation plan are <br />related to final reclamation (direct haul topsoil, shrub islands, replace <br />stock ponds, etc.). An aerial survey will be conducted annually to monitor <br />the impact of the mining operation on wintering deer and elk. <br />