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2.05.5 Post-mining Land Uses <br />The implementation of the detailed reclamation plan as contained in Section <br />• 2.05.4 will restore the disturbed land to the pre-mining use of rangeland. <br />This will be specifically accomplished by the regrading of the spoil to create <br />approximate original contour, restoration of drainage patterns, reapplication <br />of the topsoil followed by seeding of the appropriate seed mixture and shrub <br />plantings for the designated land use. Erosion will be controlled on the <br />newly seeded areas through the use of contour furrows and/or terraces until <br />the vegetation has been sufficiently established. The lands will also be <br />protected from noxious weeds or other biological processes such as cattle <br />grazing until the stands are sufficiently established to support grazing <br />pressure. <br />The proposed land use of rangeland for the reclaimed area is identical to the <br />pre-mining land use found in the area. Colowyo owns all but approximately <br />1,109 acres (469 of which is Bureau of Land Management land and 640 is State <br />Land) of the land to be disturbed by the mining and reclamation operations. <br />No change in land use is expected in the proposed land use categories. <br />Therefore, the proposed land use will be consistent with the historic land use <br />on lands within the current permit area. Specifically, Colowyo proposes to <br />reclaim the mined areas to a rangeland condition capable of supporting both <br />domestic livestock and wildlife. One of the objectives of the reclamation <br />plan and grazing management plan will be to provide grazing for livestock. The <br />other objective will be to restore and improve habitats for deer, elk, and <br />sage grouse. <br />Comments from the Bureau of Land Management and the State of Colorado <br />approving the proposed postmining land use are provided in Exhibit 1, <br />Documents and Leases. <br />The observation of hundreds of deer and elk utilizing reclaimed areas at <br />Colowyo confirm our success in meeting these goals. It is generally <br />recognized that the herbaceous communities of grasses and forbs found on <br />reclaimed mining areas and other similar areas in northwest Colorado have in <br />fact attracted these important wildlife species from surrounding native <br />rangelands. <br />Shrubs will also be replaced to meet applicable regulatory requirements <br />as described in Section 4.15.8. <br />~J <br />Revisbn Submitled 3 ' z-1 • a <br />Revisbn No. T (L ~ - ~ <br />2.05-60 <br />