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60. Consolidated rock areas, as those expected to be found in portions of the east and the west pits will require more than 8 to 12 inches of plant growth medium replacement, as plant roots require greater depths of moisture- and nutrient-holding material for successful vegetation establishment and maintained growth, similar to the vegetative stands originally inhabiting the project area; the Soil Conservstion Service Soil (SCS) survey despriptions often relate plant root depths exceeding 60 inches. Similarly, coarse rock fragments, expected to be encountered in the east pit backfilled areas and the waste rock dumps will require more than 8 to 12 inches of plant growth medium replacement, as the unconsolidated materials will fill the voids between the rocks and essentially disappear from the surface; additionally, the coarse rock fragments provide no moisture- or nutrient-holding capacity, essential plant growth media requirements for plant establishment and continued growth. Cook, Hyde, and Sims, 1974, specify that in Sagebrush Foothill Vegetation Types receiving between 12 and 15 inches of annual precipitaton, "it is advisable to save the top 10 to 12 inches of (top)soil to be added back over the overburden material to be re vegetated. Suitable subsoil beneath the added topsoil should, in all cases, provide at least 18 inches or more of material fora plant growth medium. This depth is desirable because root concentrations of seeded grasses will extend to this depth and soil moisture capacity will penetrate to this depth each spring following the precipitation received as fall and winter snows." Therefore, it is recommendended that an additional 2 to 3 feet of subsoil material be replaced on these areas prior to replacement of the 8 to 12 inches of topsoil. 61. Please specify the areas expected to receive topsoil replacement. Section E.2.3 Grading and Stabilization 62. Road reclamation should grade roads such that they blend in with the adjacent topography, such that they will not act as drainages. Section E.2.4 Surface and Seedbed Preparation 63. Please specify the application rate of hay if it is chosen as a mulching material. Section E.2.5 Seeding Mixtures and Rates 64. As approximately 25% of the project area is classified a Pi non-Juniper woodland, please commit to replacing these two tree species in selected locations, i. e., approximatey where they currently occur.