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establishment sites for shrub seed and shrub seeding in order that <br />herbaceous competition can be minimized" should be clarified. The <br />Division may allow this practice on an experimental basis. If the <br />experiment proves successful over time, the Division may allow this <br />proposed practice to occur on a more regular basis. PCC must <br />submit a plan specifically addressing the location of these <br />one-acre exempt areas for experimental revegetation test plots <br />prior to receiving Division approval. Also, PCC should address the <br />monitoring program and reporting method which will be implemented <br />for this experimental practice. <br />RESPONSE: <br />The introductory paragraph of the response to comment nine of the PAR <br />has been modified as noted. A modified page 27 to the PAR response to <br />comments is included. <br />The proposal to exempt areas from permanent seeding has been made based <br />on the documented fact that herbaceous competition can be one of the <br />more significant problems associated with the establishment and growth <br />of shrub and tree seedlings. Windbreak establishment is a standard <br />conservation practice that has been used for many years. A primary <br />specification for windbreak establishment is that preparation of <br />windbreak planting sites include removal of the competing herbaceous <br />vegetation prior to planting. In order to insure maximum survival and <br />growth in the windbreak, this reduction in competition must be <br />maintained for as long as possible by cultivation tillage or other <br />means. These procedures are detailed in "The Farmstead Windbreak" <br />published by the Colorado State Forest Service and various technical <br />guides and specifications available from the Soil Conservation Service. <br />The reduction or elimination of herbaceous competition in shrub and tree <br />planting areas is also necessary in mine reclamation and reforestation <br />projects if an adequate level of success is to be achieved. This is <br />true for areas planted with shrub and tree seedlings or on direct seeded <br />shrub plots. The following list of references should be consulted for <br />• documentation and additional information on this subject: <br />37 <br />