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Exact stocking rates are impossible to predict at this time. Stocking rates will be calculated using the accepted assumption that a mature cow of approximately 1,000 pounds and a calf as old as 6 months equals one animal unit. For a mature ewe or ram, the animal-unit equivalent of 0.20 will be used. Wildlife allowances shall be 0.20 animal units for a mature mule deer and 0.55 animal units for each mature elk. Flexibility in the size and composition of the livestock operation will allow for optimum usage of vegetation during years of sub-normal and above average forage production. Distribution of livestock for uniform forage utilization will be accomplished using one or more of the following: herding, fencing, watering facilities or the placement of forage supplements. Vallentine (1971) reviewed the literature relative to water development and grazing distribution and concluded: "Cattle should not have to travel more than one-quarter to one-half mile from forage to water in steep, rough country, or more than one mile on level or gently rolling range. However, sheep and horses can travel longer distances." Vallentine reported that during spring and summer months when forage is green, water distribution was found to have little effect on big game distribution. Stoddard and Smith (1955) reported that in excessively steep country "cattle should not go more than '/z mile for water, though in more level areas that can be increased. Even in flat country they should not be expected to travel more than 2%z miles." Reclaimed land within the permit area will not be steep and the distance from water to areas of suitable forage will not exceed the preceding recommendations. Field Trials The soil stabilization procedures, species mixtures, planting and seeding times proposed in this permit application aze virtually identical to those utilized on adjacent reclaimed mined land. Since the nearby test plots have been thoroughly evaluated and the reclamation practices adjusted accordingly, TCC does not intend to conduct field trials. Monitarine, Semolina, Statistical Testing, and Reference Comaarison The reclamation plan presented herein contains programs that establish: (a) success criteria, (b) methods to be used to measure plant community parameters, (c) the performance and interpretation of statistical tests and (d) comparisons to be made between undisturbed and reclaimed areas in order to demonstrate that the appropriate success criteria have been met, in accordance with Rules 4.15.7 and 4.15.8. TCC plans to utilize three reference areas established in connection with Permit No. 79-177 by CYCC. Specific reference area locatinns_are-shown on Map 18, Premining Vegetation. CYCC will continue to maintain and monitor the reference areas until all lands reclaimed under Permit No. 79-177 (current permit C-81-071) are released from bond. Thereafter, TCC will be responsible for the management and sampling of reference areas. Reference areas will receive the same management as revegetated tracts during the last two years of the liability period. The reference areas are approximately 2% to 3 acres in size and were established in locations closely resembling the sites, which have been and will be disturbed by the surface disturbance associated with the underground mining at the Foidel Creek Mine. Soils, slope, aspect, vegetation, and general appearance were the criteria used to select representative reference area locations. The sampling procedures and statistical tests outlined in Rule 2.04.10 shall be used to evaluate the appropriate vegetation parameters. Revegetation success will be determined by the comparison of weighted averages between reference areas and revegetated areas. Adequate sampling will be determined in a manner identical to the procedure identified under ~~ rIr'i:~C'1`~L,~ APR 2 4 2000 Permit Renewal No. 3 2.05-I IS 12/10/98