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~ , tr • ~ • . ~ t an enhancement in terms of wildlife habitat. An alternative in this location would be to leave it undisturbed as a marsh. Overall, a pond/marsh complex would result in the greatest value to wildlife. The existing marsh left as it is would be the most valuable alternative. Creaticn of a gravel pond would be the least valuable alter- native for wildlife habitat. Section 6.5 of the application concerns revegetatioa efforts that will be conducted as part of the site reclamation, The Division would suggest the addition of switch- grass as part of the seed mix in paragraph i) 10. The addition of switchgrass should comprise no less than lU~ of the suggested miz, Switchgrass is a warm sea8on grass that is palatable to livestock, and produces large amounts of forage. Addition- ally, awitchgrass has a high cover value for wildlife. It has a tall growth form that remains standing through winter. This provides protective cover for loafing, night roosting, escape from predators and heavy snow, and standing residual cover for spring nesting. It also helps concentrate wildlife for improved hunting opportunity. Other grasses, like wheat grass and sideoats grams lodge under snow, and provide lase cover for wildlife. Paragraph 13 includes a list of trees and shrubs to be used in reclamation. The Mv- iaion would suggest the deletion of Rocky Mountain Juniper, Ponderosa Pine, Scotch Pine, and possibly 5astern Red Cedar from this list. These species have a relatively low chance of survival in this setting, It would be ashame to spend time on plantings that will not survive, The Division would suggest the addition of American Plum. to the list for its thicket forming capacity and food value. We would also suggest the addition of wild willow to the list since it is indigenous to the site. Native cottonwood trees should be used on this site rather than domestic (seedless) trees, It is important to main- tain a seed source along the river. The Division can suggest planting methods for these species that will be low maintenance, and increase survivability of plantings, The process of mining this parcel will result in the loss of some of the trees on the property, The Division is encouraged that the applicant plans to preserve trees wherever possible. However, since a healthy growth of trees will increase the wild- 11fe value, livestock value, and aesthetic value of the property, the Division would hope that the applicant would replace destroyed trees on a minimum of 1:1 basis as part of the reclamation plan, Since the property is currently infested with thistle and spurge, revegetation efforts will be complicated. Tha Division would encourage the applicant to include a detailed weed control plan as part of the reclamation plan. Ron Broda, the county weed inspect- or, or consultants from the Soil Conservation Service or CountpErtension Service can assist with the planning. It makes little sense to reseed with grass until the weeds are under control. In section 6.2 a)3 of the application the applicant states that no dredge ardfill re- quirements pertain to the parcel. Some of the stockpile locations on the plans may be in wetlands, especially those in phase 2. If this is true, the applicant would be obligated to seek and obtain a 404 permit from the Corp, of Engineers. The applic- ant may want to consult with the Corp. of Engineers on this matter to avoid possible violations of the clean water act, 3ofU