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similar to that which existed ir, the pre-mir.ir,g environment and consistent <br />• with ex.istino landforms. Topsoil rerlacement activities have been <br />specifically designed to provide an effective vegetative growth medium. the <br />revegetation plan is the final step in reclaiming the lard to proauctive, <br />s21f-sustaining uses as rangeland and wildlife habitat for domestic livestock <br />and wildlife species. EFCI's proposed re vegetation plan for disturbance areas <br />reflects baseline data on natural plant species occurring in this area as <br />presented in Section 2.04.10, Vegetation Information, available technical <br />information and research data indicating those species which can be <br />effectively established and sustained on reclaimed mine lands, and specific <br />data on the value of various species to both livestock and wildlife. <br />Rwegetation Schedule The overall reclamation schedule previously <br />discussed is based upon late fall seeding of re-topsoiled areas. Scheduling <br />of seeding in late fall allows the seed to lie dormant over the winter and <br />takes advantage of increased soil moisture levels resulting from snowpack and <br />runoff during the spring. Consistent with these considerations, permanent <br />seeding will normally occur during late fall. Exceptions to this general <br />schedule relate to disturbed areas for which revegetation cannot be delayed <br />without resulting in significant potential erosion due to location, aspect, <br />• or other site specific factors. Such areas may include: newly established <br />topsoil stockpiles, relatively steep road cuts, and newly constructed <br />collection ditches or diversion channels. If required to provide immediate <br />stabilization and prevent significant erosion, these areas may be re vegetated <br />at times other than during normal fall planting. In addition, use of seed <br />mixtures other than the permanent seed mixture, and planting other than in <br />late fall, are discussed later in this section under Seeding, Species. and <br />Amounts. <br />Because of the relatively small overall disturbance area, and the limited <br />opportunities for live topsoil handling, EFCI will seed live topooil areas <br />with the permanent seed mixture. This may result in some competition between <br />native plants established by live handling and seeded species. However, <br />increased establishment of native vegetative species is expected to have an <br />overall benefit in increasing vegetative diversity. Additional establishment <br />of native plant species resulting from live topsoil handling will also <br />promote expanded establishment of native species in adjacent areas through <br />windbourne seed distribution and other natural mechanisms. <br />u <br />2.05.3-18 Revised 5/28/02 <br />Minor Revision No. 45 <br />