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similar to that which existed in the pre-mining environment and consisrent with existing landforms. <br />Topsoil replacement activities have been specifically designed to provide an effective vegetative <br />growth medium. The revegetation plan is the final step in reclaiming the land to productive, self- <br />sustaining uses as rangeland and wildlife habitat for domestic livestock and wildlife species. EFCI's <br />proposed revegetation plan for disturbance areas reflects baseline data on natural plant species <br />occurring in this area as presented in Section 2,04.10, Vegetation Information, available technical <br />information and research data indicating those species which can be effectively established and <br />sustained on reclaimed mine lands, specific data on the value of various species to both livestock and <br />wildlife, and specific input from surface landowners. <br />Re~eeetation Schedule. The overall reclamation schedule previously discussed is based on late fall <br />seeding of re-topsoiled areas. Scheduling of seeding in late fall allows the seed to lie dormant over the <br />winter and takes advantage of increased soil moisture levels resulting from snowpack and runoff <br />during the spring. Consistent with these considerations, permanent seeding will normally occur <br />during late fall. Exceptions to this general schedule relate to disturbed areas Eor which revegetation <br />cannot be delayed without resulting in significant potential erosion due to location, aspec[, or other <br />site specific factors. Such areas may include; newly established topsoil stockpiles, relatively steep road <br />cuts, and newly constructed collection ditches or diversion channels. If required to provide <br />immediate stabilization and prevent significam erosion, these areas may be revegetated at times other <br />than during notmai fall planting. In addition, use of seed mixtures ocher than the permanent seed <br />mixture; and planting other than in late fall, are discussed in this Section under the sub-heading, <br />Seeding, Species and Amounts. <br />Because of the relativel}~ small overall disturbance area, and the limited opportunities for live topsoil <br />handling, EFCI will seed live topsoil areas with the permanent seed mixture. This may result in some <br />competition between native plants established by live handling and seed species. However, increased <br />establishment of native vegetative species is expected to have an overall benefit in increasing <br />vegetative diversity. Additional establishment of native vegetative species resulting from live topsoil <br />handling will also promote expanded establishment of native species in adjacent areas through <br />windborne seed distribution and other natural mechanisms. <br />iYIR-48 2.05.4-18 Revised March 2003 <br />