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<br /> <br />• <br />• <br />This mix will be used for the stockpiles as well as the areas to be perma- <br />nently reclaimed. The viability of stockpiled topsoil will be maintained by <br />the above seed mix, especially because of the deep rooted alfalfa. <br />Among the wildlife using the area are deer, elk, and a variety of small <br />mammals and birds including raptors and upland game birds. Deer and elk <br />use hay fields extensively during fall, winter, and spring in the surrounding <br />area. The proposed species will provide nutritious early spring forage for <br />lactating animals as well as animals coming off winter range. Upland game <br />birds use big bluegrass and alfalfa for cover as well as food sources. It is <br />well known, by published documentation, that reclamation type plantings can <br />support relatively large numbers of small mammals which has an indirect <br />benefit to raptors by increasing available prey. These benefits will be real- <br />ized during the time that the perennial cover is in place. <br />The small amounts of native vegetation around the present active mining <br />area will generally not be disturbed. After the present sediment pond is <br />enlarged to cover the increased area of operations, the banks or any other <br />disturbances will be seeded with the previously mentioned seed mix. As has <br />occurred at the present sedimentation pond, aquatic vegetation will readily <br />invade the banks of the pond. <br />It should be noted that areas around the existing wooden power transmission <br />towers, which are farmed now, will probably not be farmed after reclama- <br />tion due to access problems and steep slopes. These areas are relatively <br />minor and will be seeded with the perennial vegetative cover. <br />Successful reclamation of the area will be based on wheat yields after plow <br />down of the perennial vegetative cover. Success will be considered when a <br />minimum wheat yield of 28 bushels per acre is achieved. While this value is <br />below the average yield for fields adjocent to the site, it is well above the <br />Routt County average yield of 23.5 bushels per acre. In 1980 the yield for <br />the adjacent fields averaged 28 bushels per acre which was due to adverse <br />weather conditions. Because of uncontrollable factors such as shortened <br />growing season, drought, or excessive moisture, 28 bushels per acre is re- <br />commended. <br />E-4 <br />